title: Detection and Analysis of Enamel Cracks by Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence Technology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ability to accurately detect tooth cracks and quantify their depth would allow the prediction of crack progression and treatment success. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the capabilities of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) technology in the detection of enamel cracks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-six extracted human teeth were selected for examining naturally existing or suspected cracked teeth surfaces using a photocuring unit. QLF performed with a digital camera (QLF-D) images were used to assess the ability to detect enamel cracks based on the maximum fluorescence loss value (ΔFmax, %), which was then analyzed using the QLF-D software. A histologic evaluation was then performed in which the samples were sectioned and observed with the aid of a polarized light microscope. The relationship between ΔFmax and the histology findings was assessed based on the Spearman rank correlation. The sensitivity and specificity were calculated to evaluate the validity of using QLF-D to analyze enamel inner-half cracks and cracks extending to the dentin-enamel junction.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a strong correlation between the results of histologic evaluations of enamel cracks and the ΔFmax value, with a correlation coefficient of 0.84. The diagnostic accuracy of QLF-D had a sensitivity of 0.87 and a specificity of 0.98 for enamel inner-half cracks and a sensitivity of 0.90 and a specificity of 1.0 for cracks extending to the dentin-enamel junction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate that QLF technology would be a useful clinical tool for diagnosing enamel cracks, especially given that this is a nondestructive method.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry and Public Oral Health, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Mi-Kyoung
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Jun
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry and Public Oral Health, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; BK 21 PLUS Project, Yonsei University, College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hye-Min
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Ku
authors.affiliation: Microscope Center, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Oral Science Research Center, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Euiseong
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Dental Hygiene, Gachon University College of Health Science, Incheon, South Korea.
authors.forename: Hee-Eun
authors.initials: HE
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry and Public Oral Health, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Ho-Keun
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry and Public Oral Health, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; BK 21 PLUS Project, Yonsei University, College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea; Oral Science Research Institute, Yonsei University, College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea. Electronic address: drkbi@yuhs.ac.
authors.forename: Baek-Il
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Kim
mesh_terms: D003387:Cracked Tooth Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology*; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D014070:Tooth / Q000737:chemistry*; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis
keywords: Diagnosis; enamel crack; quantitative light-induced fluorescence