A New Approach to Detect Proximal Caries Using Electrical Dental Parameters
| Author | Mohammad Amin Younessi Heravi | en |
| Author | Milad Shakeri | en |
| Author | Roya Amiri | en |
| Author | Vahideh Motamedosanaye | en |
| Orcid | Mohammad Amin Younessi Heravi [0000-0002-7960-3095] | en |
| Orcid | Vahideh Motamedosanaye [0009-0006-7728-1877] | en |
| Accessioned Date | 2026-07-14T18:05:58Z | |
| Issued Date | 2026-03-31 | en |
| Abstract | Background: Proximal caries remains difficult to detect during routine clinical examinations because of their anatomical location beneath contact areas. Objectives: This in vivo study aimed to evaluate electrical dental parameters, specifically electrical resistance and capacitance, at predefined anatomical locations and to assess their diagnostic performance for proximal caries detection. Methods: In this diagnostic observational study, 43 patients presenting with proximal caries in first molars were enrolled. Electrical resistance and capacitance were measured using a benchtop digital multimeter and a digital LC meter at four predefined tooth surfaces. Clinical and radiographic examinations served as reference standards for caries diagnosis. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the electrical measurements were calculated and analyzed. Data were analyzed using the independent samples t-test in SPSS software, version 20.0. Results: Electrical resistance showed a significant reduction in teeth affected by proximal caries compared with intact teeth, particularly at the bucco-lingual surface and mesial-distal occlusal regions (P < 0.05). The highest diagnostic performance was achieved at the bucco-lingual surface, with an accuracy of 89.5%, sensitivity of 86.0%, and specificity of 90.7%. Electrical capacitance did not demonstrate a significant association with proximal caries at any measurement site. Conclusions: Electrical resistance measurements obtained under in vivo conditions can reliably differentiate proximal caries from intact teeth. Measurement at the bucco-lingual surface provides the highest diagnostic accuracy. Electrical resistance may serve as a non-invasive, radiation-free adjunctive diagnostic tool for proximal caries detection in clinical practice. Clinical Relevance: Electrical resistance assessment offers a practical and safe adjunct to conventional diagnostic methods for proximal caries, potentially improving early detection while reducing reliance on radiographic imaging. | en |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.69107/tatm-170005 | en |
| URI | https://brieflands.com/journals/tatm/articles/170005 | en |
| URI | https://repository.brieflands.com/handle/123456789/68003 | |
| Keyword | Proximal Caries | en |
| Keyword | Caries Diagnosis | en |
| Keyword | Electrical Resistance of Teeth | en |
| Keyword | Dental Diagnostics | en |
| Publisher | Brieflands | en |
| Title | A New Approach to Detect Proximal Caries Using Electrical Dental Parameters | en |
| Type | Research Article | en |