Open! Defeating tooth decay before it is too late

"You have a cavity. "Few of us are happy when they hear these words, usually followed by the sound of strawberry dentist. But thanks to new technology developed by the National Research Council of Canada, such a diagnosis may soon be a thing of the past. How? Detecting and arresting the progression of decay since its inception. Precisely which involves researchers from the NRC Institute for Biodiagnostics (NRC-IBD) in Winnipeg to develop a tool for early detection of dental caries.
At present, dentists use X-ray radiography to detect cavities. However, this technique is effective only if the cavity is already very advanced or if there is a cavity (hole). Tooth decay develops slowly, it appears initially in the form of white spots or lesions on the teeth. If the lesion develops on the wall of the tooth which faces the cheeks, lips or tongue, or on the chewing surfaces, it will be easy to detect for the dentist. But if it is formed between the teeth, it becomes much more difficult to see and treat. When the dentist detects tooth decay, it is already too late and it is usually treated by removing the damaged part and applying a mixture to fill the hole formed. Unfortunately, this kind of seal will not last forever and must be replaced several times during a person's life. Each time, it will drill again to reach the healthy part of the tooth and apply a new amalgam. The repetition of this procedure not only discomfort for the patient, but also the recurring costs for the health care system.

With a probe Intraoral fiber the size of a pen, dentists will lead a dent on the beam to detect and confirm the warning signs of decay and its evolution over time. They will check if the acid released by the bacteria hiding in plaque destroys the enamel of the tooth, or if efforts to improve dental hygiene or treatment administered to patients can reverse the trend tooth decay at this early stage.

This new technology combines an imaging technique called optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Raman spectroscopy. TCO provides photos and images of the structure of the teeth above and below the surface, while Raman spectroscopy provides details on the chemical composition and molecular structure of teeth. Unlike X-rays, this technology is non-invasive and uses non-ionizing radiation. Moreover, this technique is safe for pregnant women and young children.

The new probe will be very helpful in treating and preventing tooth decay. Thanks to early detection of dental injuries, dentists and health professionals to advise their patients on how best to take care of their teeth to stop or reverse the progression of caries and to avoid the development of new injuries in the future.