Digital and AI tools for detecting dental cavities in adults
Assessment and Comparison of Diagnostic Technologies for the Detection of Dental Caries in Clinical Practice
This project will test whether digital and AI-based tools can detect dental cavities more accurately than standard visual exams and bitewing X-rays in adults with permanent teeth.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Martin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Martin, Žilina Region) |
| Trial ID | NCT07560514 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational clinical comparison of conventional diagnostic methods and selected digital diagnostic technologies, including AI-based tools such as DIAGNOcam, for detecting dental caries. Adults aged 18–65 who have permanent dentition and existing primary or secondary carious lesions will undergo visual examination, bitewing radiographs, photodocumentation, and the selected digital assessments. Diagnostic performance of each method will be analyzed and compared against other methods to determine sensitivity, specificity, and practical utility in routine practice. The study takes place in clinical settings including a university hospital and affiliated dental clinic to reflect real-world workflow and patient populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 with permanent teeth and existing primary or secondary carious lesions who can undergo bitewing radiographs and agree to photodocumentation and use of AI-based diagnostic methods are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with extensive crown destruction, lesions reaching the pulp or threatening pulp vitality, fixed prosthetic restorations in the examined area, inability/refusal to have radiographs, or those outside the 18–65 age range are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could lead to earlier and more accurate cavity detection, enabling less invasive treatments and better prevention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising but mixed results for digital imaging and AI in caries detection, so real-world comparative data like this are still needed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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)
Where this trial is running
Martin, Žilina Region
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine — Martin, Žilina Region, Slovakia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Michal Augustín, MDDr.
- Email: augustin24@uniba.sk
- Phone: +421903442708
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.