Another of our recent investments is in one of the most advanced intra-oral imaging cameras on the market (Sopro Life and Sopro Care) that uses fluorescence technology to diagnose periodontal disease and identify cavities and if they need filled.
When we identify potential cavities in our patients mouths, we verify whether your cavity is deep enough to expose dentin. In some cases we find that cavities are shallow and don't require any immediate intervention, saving you having to get any unnecessary fillings. The system works by shining a harmless fluorescent light in your mouth that typically fluoresces green on normal surfaces, but red in areas of high acidity that signify exposed dentin inside your tooth. This is illustrated below, notice how the light only reacts with deeper cavities that have exposed dentin and require filling. Surface cavities not requiring fillings do not fluoresce red.
Cavity Fluorescence
Filled Cavity Fluorescence
Cavity Normal Light
3 - 3
<
>
Similar to fluorescence that identifies cavities, we have a second camera imaging system that helps in identifying areas of plaque build up and is capable of identifying areas of light and severe inflammation that are identifiers and predictors of early periodontal disease.