Dental caries is an irreversible microbial condition of the tooth characterized by de-mineralization and dissolution of the hard issues. Traditional methods like visual and tactile examination, x-rays, or light-induced fluorescence techniques help diagnose dental carries, although they are not sensitive. As dental caries are irreversible, detecting the caries process in the early stages is essential.
Recently intraoral cameras have also made their mark in detecting and diagnosing dental caries, especially at the earliest ages. The use of advanced technology to detect dental caries early has enabled changes to minimally invasive dentistry, focusing on a preventive approach to caries management. This paper summarizes the available information on intraoral cameras’ role in diagnosing caries by researching various databases.
The Role of Intraoral Cameras in Preventive Dentistry
The existing methods of diagnosing dental caries rely on visual and tactile techniques combining X-rays during the examination. Unfortunately, these techniques have drawbacks entering them nonideal.
With visual examination being subjective and technique sensitive and combining exposure to ionizing radiation which becomes an area of concern, a huge demand for advanced dentistry near you using new imaging technologies that increase the efficiency and diagnosis of caries is facing a huge market.
The existing treatment concept in restorative dentistry primarily focuses on early detection and diagnosis of dental carries to prevent and avoid extensive intervention. However, near-infrared imaging is a beneficial diagnostic tool for detecting caries early. Based on near-infrared imaging, these scanners use light with a wavelength of 850 nm in the electromagnetic spectrum. After penetration and interaction with the tooth, forms pictures based on the optical properties of the tooth from shattering or the dental tissues in near-infrared radiation wavelength.
The scanner system works on the principle of confocal laser in detecting dental caries relying on the concept of preserving and gathering in focus reflected light from the specimen by discarding the off-focus light. Furthermore, different imaging technologies using this principle adopt other light sources to detect caries.
Intraoral Camera Transillumination Enhances Transparency with Every Patient
The LUM sub-enamel illumination, the latest dental imaging technology, is an add-on attachment with an intraoral camera. The extension assists dentists providing advanced dentistry in Milford, CT, with sub-enamel illumination diagnostic techniques enabling dentists to use the tool to instant document all findings, including the ability to see cavities, stains, and carries. In addition, turning on the camera’s blue filter and fluoresce with UV light enables dentists to disclose surface lesions not visible to the naked eye.
The Working of Transillumination Technology
Diagnosing a broken tooth is one of the most challenging tasks dentists encounter. The symptoms remain ambiguous and differ between patients. External inspections are the most difficult because some teeth appear not to have cracks exhibiting symptoms while others have dark threatening lines visually noticeable, with the patient reporting no problems.
Transillumination is one of the techniques the pediatric dentist near you uses to detect whether or not a tooth has cracked or fractured. The dentist interprets the pattern of light transmission when making a diagnosis. If the use of transillumination reveals a crack, dentists strive to film it with a digital intraoral camera to make it part of the patient’s permanent record.
Benefits of Intraoral Transillumination for Preventive Dentistry
Intraoral transillumination technology can boost diagnostic abilities by significant levels. For example, identifying cracks in teeth and cavities becomes manageable using the capabilities of the dental camera.
The Transillumination technology enables dentists to get to the bottom of problems digital X-rays don’t reveal. For example, the technique helps dentists to identify caries that dental X-rays may not have detected. Best of all, the technology allows the dentist to diagnose and suggest early treatment to inhibit the spread of tooth decay.
The cutting-edge technology adopted by dentists has left many patients speechless because they prefer modern dental offices over traditional practices, still relying on outdated dental technology. In addition, dentists don’t have to use multiple devices when obtaining patient diagnostic images. Instead, the transillumination slides onto the intraoral camera with a click of a button to capture crisp and crystal-clear images making dentists diagnose the condition early to offer appropriate treatment proposals.
Dental caries is a common problem affecting most people. However, when patients visit Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry with children, they access modern technology from the dentist, enabling them to diagnose cavities and other issues with children’s teeth to help prevent additional damage.
