The influence of PVC wrapping on the performance of two laser fluorescence devices on occlusal surfaces in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wrapping on the performance of two laser fluorescence devices (LF and LFpen) by assessing tooth occlusal surfaces.


BACKGROUND
Protection of their tips may influence LF measurements. To date there are no studies evaluating the influence of this protection on the performance of the LFpen on permanent teeth, or comparing it to the original LF device.


METHODS
One hundred nineteen permanent molars were assessed by two experienced dentists using the LF and the LFpen devices, both with and without PVC wrapping. The teeth were histologically prepared and assessed for caries extension.


RESULTS
The LF values with and without PVC wrapping were significantly different. For both LF devices, the sensitivity and accuracy were lower when the PVC wrapping was used. The specificity was statistically significantly higher for the LFpen with PVC. No difference was found between the areas under the ROC curves with and without PVC wrapping. The ICC showed excellent interexaminer agreement. The Bland and Altman method showed a range between the upper and the lower limits of agreement of 63.4 and 57.8 units for the LF device, and 49.4 and 74.2 for the LFpen device, with and without PVC wrapping, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
We found an influence of the PVC wrapping on the performance of the LF and LFpen devices. However, since its influence on detection of occlusal caries lesions is considered for, the use of one PVC layer is suggested to avoid cross-contamination in clinical practice.
Department of Preventive, Restorative and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. jonas.rodrigues@zmk.unibe.ch
Jonas de Almeida
Jde A
Rodrigues
Isabel
I
Hug
Adrian
A
Lussi
D002138:Calibration; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003762:Dental Instruments; D004867:Equipment Design; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D007834:Lasers; D008963:Molar; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D012372:ROC Curve; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride