Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the fluorescence properties of sound teeth and teeth with different types of lesions. Using light-emitting diodes operating in the near ultraviolet (UVA) spectral regions for excitation, the obtained fluorescence images and spectra of carious teeth were different from sound teeth spectra due to the presence of bacteria Streptococcus mutans producing metabolites called porphyrins. The sound teeth showed the blue fluorescence with broad emission spectra from 410 nm to 650 nm (maxima at 450 nm, 500 nm and 520 nm), while the carious regions illuminated the red light with three new peaks at 625 nm, 650 nm and 690 nm. The intensity of the red fluorescent signal depends on the density of the bacteria. Based on the red fluorescence emitted by porphyrins, not only the surface lesions but also the caries hiding under the enamel layer can be detected by UVA exciting. These results provide the ability to apply fluorescence technique in the development of an early dental diagnostic tool with a number of advantages such as safety, mobility, low cost and rapid test time.
Highlights
Dental caries is one of the most popular diseases of humans worldwide
Many studies have shown that visual-tactile examination should be associated with other caries detection methods, such as X-ray based methods, because some carious lesions may go undetected during visual examination [3, 4]
We have investigated the fluorescence of sound teeth, teeth with dental calculus, cavitated caries and hidden caries
Summary
In Vietnam, according to statistics of Vietnam Odonto – Stomatology Association, dental caries affects 75% of the population. The detection of carious lesions has been primarily a visual process, based principally on clinical-tactile inspection and radiographic examination [1]. Visual-tactile examination has been widely used in dental clinics for detecting carious lesions on all surfaces. A major shortcoming of this method is very limited for detecting noncavitated lesions in dentin or posterior proximal and occlusal surfaces [2]. Many studies have shown that visual-tactile examination should be associated with other caries detection methods, such as X-ray based methods, because some carious lesions may go undetected during visual examination [3, 4]. All X-ray based methods can cause damage to cells in the body, which in turn can increase the risk of developing cancer
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have