The study, conducted by a team of dental researchers, evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of digital imaging tools in identifying various stages of dental caries. Both IOSs and IOCs demonstrated strong potential for non-invasive, real-time detection, particularly for early enamel and dentin lesions. Their high sensitivity means they can identify early-stage decay that might otherwise go unnoticed during routine visual examination. However, this benefit comes with a trade-off—lower specificity may result in overdiagnosis or unnecessary interventions if not carefully interpreted. According to the authors, the variability in diagnostic accuracy across different digital systems and examiner experience levels underscores the importance of proper calibration and training. Unlike radiographs, which provide standardized images, digital imaging tools rely heavily on lighting, angulation, and operator proficiency. As a result, integrating them effectively into clinical workflows requires well-defined guidelines and validation against established diagnostic standards. The researchers noted that while digital imaging tools align with the broader shift toward minimally invasive and patient-friendly dental care, further clinical studies are needed to improve specificity and reduce interpretation errors. Combining digital imaging with traditional methods or artificial intelligence–assisted analysis could potentially optimize diagnostic performance and decision-making in clinical practice.
Ultimately, the findings suggest that while intraoral scanners and intraoral cameras offer exciting possibilities for early, radiation-free caries detection, their effective use depends on improved accuracy, user training, and evidence-based diagnostic criteria.
Reference:
BDJ Open. (2025). Digital Imaging Tools Show Potential for Early Caries Detection but Require Improved Specificity. doi:10.1038/s41405-025-00345-5
Keywords:
intraoral scanners, intraoral cameras, dental caries, early detection, diagnostic accuracy, specificity, radiographic comparison, digital dentistry
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