13th World Congress for Laser Dentistry

26-28, April 2012

Barcelona, Spain

Meeting Abstract

Sponsors: World Federation for Laser Dentistry

-  Poster 130

TITLE: Optical fluorescence imaging for diagnostics in Dentistry.

AUTHORS: Kurachi C, Araujo GS, Bagnato VS.

Physics Institute of São Carlos, University of São Paulo

SOURCE: Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2012 May 1;17(Supplement1):S278.

* doi:10.4317/medoral.17643778

http://dx.doi.org/10.4317/medoral.17643778

Abstract

Several optical techniques have been proposed in different medical areas for enhancing diagnostic resolution of distinct pathologies. In Dentistry, most used optical techniques have been fluorescence imaging and spectroscopy. Fluorescence imaging improves visual discrimination of cancer lesions, as well as of hard dental tissue alterations as caries. A fluorescence system will be presented showing its application in oral cavity. The handheld system is based on UV-blue LED illumination, optical filters, and visor or image acquisition. Examples of fluorescence images will be presented for actinic cheilitis, dental caries, dental cracks, restorative materials, and dental plaque. The visual discrimination of hard tissue modifications, as caries and demineralization, are improved with the fluorescence imaging. The border of the lesion is better detected and the digital imaging provides quantitative information that can be used to monitor lesion conditions and response to the treatment. For diagnostics of lesions of soft tissues, the fluorescence imaging also provides better visualization of potentially malignant lesions. The heterogenous condition of the actinic cheilitis at the lower lip is evidenced. Fluorescence images are obtained through a non-invasive and non-destructive technique with a fast response and with potential of quantitative diagnostic information. Widefield fluorescence imaging is an attractive auxiliary tool for diagnostics in Dentistry.