Diagnostic Performance and Children's Acceptance of Near-Infrared Light Transillumination and Bitewing Radiographs for Detecting Proximal Cavitation in Primary Molars of Patients Aged 4 to 10 Years

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the ability of three different methods to detect approximal carious lesions in primary molars of children aged 4 to 10 years. This observational study focuses on comparing bitewing radiography, near-infrared light transillumination, and their combination to see differences in sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC). The study also investigates how age affects these diagnostic results and which technique children prefer. Participants will undergo bitewing radiographs and near-infrared light transillumination exams. They will have tooth separation for 7 days using orthodontic elastic separators to assist in examination. Clinical examination of the targeted tooth surfaces will be performed, and children will be asked to rate their experience using the Simplified Facial Pain Scale (S-FPS). The study evaluates diagnostic accuracy and patient acceptance across three age groups: 4-6, 6-8, and 8-10 years. During the study, children will be examined at enrollment and again on day 7 for clinical assessment. Researchers will analyze diagnostic performance parameters from enrollment to the day 7 examination and assess patient acceptance at enrollment. Statistical methods will compare the efficacy of the detection methods and children's preferences. The total participation period lasts 7 days, during which clinical and diagnostic evaluations are completed.

Diagnostic Performance and Children's Acceptance of Near-Infrared Light Transillumination and Bitewing Radiographs for Detecting Proximal Cavitation in Primary Molars of Patients Aged 4 to 10 Years