Assessment of Digital Technologies for Detection of Dental Caries

Dental caries remains one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide. Early and accurate detection is essential for effective treatment and prevention of disease progression. This observational study aims to assess and compare the effectiveness of different diagnostic technologies used in routine dental practice.

Participants undergoing dental examination will be evaluated using conventional diagnostic methods and selected digital diagnostic technologies. The diagnostic performance of each method will be analyzed and compared based on their ability to detect carious lesions.

The study will be conducted in clinical settings, including university hospital and private dental clinic environments. The results are expected to provide insights into the advantages and limitations of modern diagnostic technologies in dentistry and support their appropriate use in clinical practice.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 18-65 years
• Presence of permanent dentition only
• Presence of primary or secondary carious lesions
• Presence of all teeth in the lateral segment (teeth 4-7) in both maxilla and mandible
• Signed informed consent including agreement with photodocumentation, bitewing radiographs, and use of AI-based diagnostic methods (including DIAGNOcam)

Exclusion criteria

• Age under 18 or over 65 years
• Extensive crown destruction affecting more than two-thirds of the tooth
• Carious lesions reaching the dental pulp or threatening pulp vitality
• Inability or refusal to undergo radiographic examination (bitewing radiographs)
• Teeth with fixed prosthetic restorations in the examined area Refusal to participate or to use AI-based diagnostic methods (including DIAGNOcam)