The use of fiber optics transillumination for the detection of proximal caries.

Abstract Children in the mixed-dentition stage were examined for proximal caries by means of mirror and explorer, fiber optics transillumination (FOTI), and bitewing radiographs. Examinations were performed with portable dental equipment in two public grammar schools. The purpose was to evaluate FOTI as a diagnostic tool for caries diagnosis in a clinical field situation. The greatest percentage increase in proximal lesions detected by FOTI was recorded in the permanent incisors; however, radiographs were not available for diagnostic confirmation. FOTI proved to be an insensitive method for detecting proximal caries in posterior deciduous or permanent teeth above that which was found by an initial mirror-and-explorer examination.