Clinical performance of the near-infrared imaging system VistaCam iX Proxi for detection of approximal enamel lesions

OBJECTIVES/AIMS: Apart from the visual detection of caries, X-rays can be taken for detection of approximal lesions. The Proxi head of VistaCam iX intraoral camera system uses near-infrared light (NIR) to enable caries detection in approximal surfaces. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the NIR for the detection of approximal enamel lesions by comparison with radiographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred ninety-three approximal surfaces from 18 patients were examined visually and using digital radiographs for presence or absence of enamel lesions. Then digital images of each surface were produced using the near-infrared light. Correlation between methods was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (r(s)). Agreement between radiographic and NIR findings was calculated using the kappa coefficient. McNemar’s test was used to analyse differences between the radiographic and NIR findings (α=0.05). RESULTS: Moderate correlation was found between all detection methods (r(s)=0.33–0.50, P<0.0001). Agreement between the radiographic and NIR findings was moderate (κ=0.50, 95% CI=0.37–0.62) for the distinction between sound surfaces and enamel caries. No significant differences were found between the findings (P=0.07). CONCLUSION: Radiographs and NIR were found to be comparable for the detection of enamel lesions in permanent teeth.