Detection of early occlusal and proximal dental caries using long-wavelength infrared thermophotonic lock-in imaging

Abstract

Detection of early dental caries, as one of the most prevalent oral diseases worldwide, has always been a major challenge in dental practice. Conventionally, the dental standard of care relies on inspection methods such as visual/tactile assessment and X-ray radiography which lack sufficient specificity and sensitivity to detect caries at early stages of progression. This increases the risk of cavity formation, and consequently, the need for treatment through surgical intervention. However, over the past few years, dentistry has begun to shift away from costly and labor-intensive surgical treatment towards non-surgical management and prevention which relies on early detection of caries when they can be healed (i.e., remineralized). In accordance with this paradigm shift, in this study, we demonstrate the capabilities of a clinically and commercially viable long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) thermophotonic imaging technology in detection of very early proximal and occlusal caries.