Potential Applications and Limitations ofQuantitative Light-induced Fluorescence in Dentistry

Summary The Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF) method provides a fluorescence image of a smooth surface caries lesion, and quantifies that image relative to mineral loss from the lesion and in terms of lesion size. The method may thus be used for quantitative monitoring of mineral changes, regression or progression, in lesions in visually inspectable surfaces within a time period of only a few months. The objectives of this paper were to identify and demonstrate possibilities and limitations of the QLF method for clinical application in dentistry. Results from studies on validation and reliability of QLF are commented on, and examples of confounding factors in clinical application are demonstrated. Longitudinal clinical studies on remineralization of incipient lesions are reviewed. Recommendations for application in clinical dentistry and research are given.

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