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

Launched by SAWANYA PRUTTHITHAWORN · Jun 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying different ways to find cavities between the back baby teeth (called primary molars) in children aged 4 to 10 years. The researchers want to see how well three methods work: traditional bitewing X-rays, a newer technique called near-infrared light transillumination (which uses light to detect cavities without radiation), and a combination of both. They also want to find out if these methods work better or worse depending on the child’s age, and which method children find most comfortable.

Children who are healthy, have no major dental problems, and have certain types of baby molars that are fully grown and properly aligned might be able to join the study. Participants will have both types of exams done, have small spacers placed between their teeth for about a week to help with the examination, and then have a dental check-up to look closely at the teeth. They will also be asked to share how comfortable or painful the experience was using a simple pain scale with faces. This study aims to find the best and most child-friendly way to detect early cavities in young children’s teeth.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Healthy Children aged 4-10 years
• • Low risk for periodontal disease
• • At least one quadrant contains fully erupted, well-aligned adjacent primary molars that are free of restorations, exhibit no clinically visible cavitated caries, demonstrate tooth mobility of grade 2 or less, show no developmental dental anomalies
• • Bitewing radiographs show at least one radiolucent lesion in the proximal surface of a primary molar classified as RA2 or RA3 according to the ICDAS II radiographic criteria
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Root resorption exceeding two-thirds of the root length
• • Demonstrate Frankl's behavior rating scale of 1 during either near-infrared light transillumination examination or tooth separation