As a technology enthusiast, I read the Dental Journal and Technology Blog to learn about materials and dental equipment that can improve my proximity to dentistry. Recently, I discovered a DEXIST MCariVu dental caries detection device using near-infrared (NIR) transmission technology.
CariVu takes perspective lighting to a higher level. The device detects carious lesions and cracks through near-infrared light, between occlusion, as well as cracks and repairs. Dense enamel reflects this light, while porous dental caries lesions trap and absorb light. As a result, CariVu produces a healthy tooth that appears light and dark images of the lesion. This allows accurate information to be obtained without any ionizing radiation.
Before Cari Vu, I tried a lighting method using a pen lighting device. When the patient was watching the area in a handheld mirror, I would shine in the dark operating room. Although the patient was polite and said they saw what I was referring to, I doubted that they really saw it. With CariVu, I can move the device, rotate the device to manually change the depth of focus, and visualize the teeth. Better still, I can capture this image, place it on a big screen, zoom in on it, explain to the patient that the decay area is dark, and point out the area of interest. When all these are black and white, the patient becomes interested, informed and ready to receive treatment.
In addition to educating patients, I know that CariVu images will provide the dental supplies information I need to effectively treat dental caries. CariVu shines on both sides of the tooth at the same time, so I can see the size, shape and extent of the initial carious lesion and the edges of the restoration failure more effectively, and plan to dig and treat. Since I have mastered this information before starting treatment, smaller pathways and less invasive treatments can be achieved. I can better use NIR perspective illumination technology to observe fractures and related caries instead of X-rays, which can be misleading due to issues such as burnout or wrong angles.
With CariVu, every time I open my teeth, I know that what I see on the image is the same as what I would encounter in my mouth. I have seen (near-infrared) lights and CariVu's slogan is true - the story of tooth decay is all black and white.
