Gap finder
Search review questions
Each row is one question a systematic review asked: who, what, compared with what, and which outcome, with the effect it found and how certain that is. Words match anywhere in the field.
91 questions in 5 reviews · cluster CL0081
current versionsNo studies 0 · 0%Ungraded 89 · 97.8%Very low 2 · 2.2%Low 0 · 0%Moderate 0 · 0%High 0 · 0%
Ungraded means an effect was reported without a GRADE rating; it is not a gap. No studies means the review found nothing to answer the question. The six categories are a display order, not a score.
Intervention categories, outcome domains and clusters are a proposed key pending human validation. Clear all filters
| Question | Effect | Evidence | Status / GRADE |
|---|---|---|---|
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.83 | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.81 | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.60 [0.15, 0.93] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.79 | 7 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 18.33 [7.57, 44.37] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.96 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.92 | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.92 [0.82, 0.96] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.81 [0.78, 0.85] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.77 [0.62, 0.88] | 4 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.91 | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.88 [0.81, 0.93] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.75 [0.58, 0.86] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.63 [0.37, 0.83] | 4 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.82 [0.58, 0.94] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.89 [0.76, 0.95] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.78 [0.44, 0.94] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.77 | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.63 | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 99 [22.01, 445.30] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 11.83 [2.66, 52.63] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 5.85 [1.77, 19.30] | 4 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 30.79 [8.74, 108.51] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.79 [0.62, 0.90] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 35.90 [13.43, 96.00] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.78 [0.68, 0.85] | 7 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.71 [0.55, 0.83] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.78 | 4 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.78 [0.46, 0.94] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (caries detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Caries detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.90 [0.73, 0.97] | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 2.18 [0.24, 19.95] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.91 [0.86, 0.95] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Cavity preparation or biopsy (operative validation) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars) in patients, occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | AUC 0.88 | 1 study | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.76 [0.60, 0.87] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.68 [0.54, 0.79] | 7 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence pen (DIAGNOdent 2190/Pen) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | Specificity 0.77 [0.62, 0.87] | 2 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Histological validation of dental tissues (gold standard) Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Extracted permanent posterior teeth with proximal surfaces (in vitro) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 23.09 [7.01, 76.04] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the dentin caries detection level (D0-2 versus D3-4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 8.01 [4.04, 15.88] | 7 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2190/pen) vs Direct visual examination after tooth separation or bioptical cavity preparation Diagnostic accuracy for proximal caries detection (dentin detection level) · Patients with permanent posterior teeth, proximal surfaces assessed clinically (in vivo) · Dentin detection level Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic studies of proximal surface caries. (2021) | Sensitivity 0.63 [0.58, 0.68] | 3 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent 2095) vs Histological validation (serial sectioning, grinding, hemisection, or microradiography) Diagnostic accuracy for occlusal caries detection at the caries detection level (D0 versus D1-D4) · Extracted human permanent posterior teeth (premolars and molars), occlusal (pit-and-fissure) surfaces Systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic methods for occlusal surface caries. (2021) | DOR 10.28 [4.35, 24.28] | 6 studies | Ungraded |
DIAGNOdent pen (KaVo; red laser fluorescence, 655 nm) vs Reference standard: histology, enhanced visual examination with or without radiographs, or excavation Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) for detection of early enamel caries (D1 threshold) · Children or adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of having enamel caries (in vivo/clinical studies);… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies) Fluorescence devices for the detection of dental caries (2020) · Cochrane | Analysed as a separate index test (coupled forest plot and SROC plot, Figure 22 / Figure 23; Appendix 5); no summary DOR or sensitivity/specificity point reported numerically in the text. 34 datasets, 6842 tooth sites. | 32 studies | Ungraded |
DIAGNOdent (KaVo; red laser fluorescence, 655 nm) vs Reference standard: histology, enhanced visual examination with or without radiographs, or excavation Diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) for detection of early enamel caries (D1 threshold) · Children or adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of having enamel caries (in vivo/clinical studies);… · Up to 3 months between index test and reference standard (in vivo studies) Fluorescence devices for the detection of dental caries (2020) · Cochrane | Analysed as a separate index test (coupled forest plot and SROC plot, Figure 22 / Figure 23; Appendix 5); no summary DOR or sensitivity/specificity point reported numerically in the text. 46 datasets, 7316 tooth sites. | 45 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent and DIAGNOdent pen) vs Reference standard: histology (in vitro studies) or visual-tactile examination (in vivo studies) Specificity · Adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of having root caries (in vivo studies); extracted teeth of adults (in… Tests to detect and inform the diagnosis of root caries (2020) · Cochrane | 4 studies (4997 root surfaces) investigated laser fluorescence and reported estimates of sensitivity ranging from 0.50 to 0.81 and specificity ranging from 0.40 to 0.80. 2 studies evaluated tests on in vivo primary… | 4 studies | Very low |
Laser fluorescence (DIAGNOdent and DIAGNOdent pen) vs Reference standard: histology (in vitro studies) or visual-tactile examination (in vivo studies) Sensitivity · Adults presenting asymptomatically or suspected of having root caries (in vivo studies); extracted teeth of adults (in… Tests to detect and inform the diagnosis of root caries (2020) · Cochrane | 4 studies (4997 root surfaces) investigated laser fluorescence and reported estimates of sensitivity ranging from 0.50 to 0.81 and specificity ranging from 0.40 to 0.80. 2 studies evaluated tests on in vivo primary… | 4 studies | Very low |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard More advanced caries lesion detection · Primary teeth with approximal surfaces · More advanced caries lesion threshold, LFpen, approximal, primary teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.958 [0.947, 0.968] | 5 studies | Ungraded |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen; DIAGNOdent pen) vs Reference standard (histological examination, operative intervention, or other/visual examination) Diagnostic accuracy (pooled sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, summary-ROC AUC) · Permanent teeth, occlusal surfaces, with suspected caries lesions · More advanced (dentine/cavitated) caries lesions threshold Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Pooled sensitivity, specificity, DOR, PLR, NLR and summary-ROC AUC reported qualitatively (Figure 6); pooled DOR for LFpen lower than for LF and FC. Heterogeneity I2=73%. Numeric pooled values not available in the… | NR | Ungraded |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard More advanced caries lesion detection · Permanent teeth with occlusal surfaces · More advanced caries lesion threshold, LFpen, occlusal, permanent teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Sensitivity 0.724 [0.672, 0.772] | 10 studies | Ungraded |
Laser fluorescence (LF; DIAGNOdent) vs Reference standard (histological examination, operative intervention, or other/visual examination) Relative DOR by reference standard (LF, advanced, occlusal permanent) · Permanent teeth, occlusal surfaces, with suspected caries lesions · More advanced (dentine/cavitated) caries lesions threshold, Other reference standard vs histological (reference) Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | RDOR 0.62 [0.15, 2.46] | NR | Ungraded |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard Initial caries lesion detection · Permanent teeth with occlusal surfaces · Initial caries lesion threshold, LFpen, occlusal, permanent teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.818 [0.751, 0.873] | 9 studies | Ungraded |
Pen-type laser fluorescence (LFpen) vs Reference standard More advanced caries lesion detection · Permanent teeth with approximal surfaces · More advanced caries lesion threshold, LFpen, approximal, permanent teeth Fluorescence-based methods for detecting caries lesions: systematic review, meta-analysis and sources of… (2013) | Specificity 0.824 [0.761, 0.875] | 2 studies | Ungraded |