Photon Undulatory Non-Linear Conversion Diagnostic Method for Caries Detection: A Pilot Study

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate a new optical method - photon undulatory non-linear conversion (PNC) - for use in different stages of caries detection. Background Data: Caries should be considered an infectious disease managed by risk assessment, early detection, and preventive therapies, rather than simply "drilling and filling." Material and Methods: Fluorescence emission spectroscopy was performed in vitro on 90 extracted teeth, with intact occlusal surfaces. This system differs from the basic Diagnodent unit in its ability to distinguish between different tissue components with respect to their spectrums. Histological analysis served as the gold standard for verification. The teeth sections correspond to the specific point with the highest reading of the detector. The system was compared to visual inspection, probing, and x-ray methods. The system tested (helium-neon [He-Ne], λ = 633 nm) has a fiber optic device that delivers radiation to the tooth and a spectrophotometer device...