Technologies

Technology Overview

Imaging would be utilized more frequently in dental and oral applications if it did not use ionizing radiation (X-rays) and was better at identifying and monitoring tooth decay and other oral conditions. NIR imaging does not use ionizing radiation and unlike existing optical methods can image through teeth and the jaw giving a view equivalent to an X-ray image. The crucial limitation of other optical imaging systems developed for dental applications such as Optical Coherence Tomography or Quantitative Light Fluorescence imaging is that light penetration of the tooth is limited, so the systems are only able to image using optical back-scattering and so cannot produce an image in transmission which provides the same detail and definition as X-rays.
Studies indicate that NIR can identify demineralization (the early stage of decay) while it can still be potentially reversed and importantly before it can be reliably identified through clinical examination or X-ray imaging. This enables a shift in dental care towards prevention and away from restoration (filings) which the profession is seeking to implement. Routine visualization of decay progressing over time or responding to therapy also becomes possible, because of the absence of radiation exposure to patients, and staff.
For dentists and oral surgeons, NIR offers the opportunity to improve decision making and practice efficiency across multiple procedures, not just for caries.
For the healthcare provider or insurer, NIR offers the potential to reduce the cost of routine screening for dental decay and potential for ‘payment by results’ in preventative programs.