Enhancing the detection of proximal cavities on near infrared transillumination images with Indocyanine Green (ICG) as a contrast medium: In vitro proof of concept studies

Abstract Objectives The use of near infrared transillumination for caries detection is gaining recognition in daily practice. Differentiation between cavitated and non cavitated proximal lesions is recognized as a threshold for restorative treatment. This investigation focused on the use of a near infrared absorbent dye which may enhance the detection of cavitation on near infrared transillumination images. Materials and methods 1: Natural teeth with artificial proximal cavitation were images with 3 different dyes to establish that near infrared absorbent dye can act like a contrast medium. 2: Natural teeth with natural cavitated lesions were used to investigate the contrast enhancing effect of indocyanine green (ICG) on near infrared transillumination images. 3: Artificial teeth with artificial cavitations were used to determine the best consistency of ICG as a contrast medium. 4: natural teeth with proximal lesions were used to confirm that ICG can differentiate between cavitated and non cavitated proximal lesions. Results 1: ICG enhanced the contrast of cavitations compared to other dyes (ANOVA; p   0.05). 3: ICG in a gel form enhanced the detection of cavitated lesions when compared to liquid ICG (t-test; p  Conclusion ICG can potentially be used as a contrast medium to enhance the detection of cavitated proximal lesions in vitro on near infrared transillumination images. A clinical study is required to validate these results in vivo.