A New Caries Detection Device
How Does It Work?
There is a new cavity detection device by DEXIS and it’s called CariVu™. This device is based on the principle of transillumination which has been around a while in dentistry. On a front tooth that is very thin the dentist can shine a bright light through it and see dark areas which are in fact decay. In my office 25 years ago we had these lights and routinely shined them through these teeth. It was very helpful in locating decay.
The posterior teeth present a different problem since they are a lot thicker. The light just wouldn’t make it through to pick up anything, yet an x-ray would show the decay.
The Device: What it does
Now comes the new device. “DEXIS CariVu™ is a compact, portable caries detection device that uses patented transillumination technology to support the identification of occlusal, interproximal and recurrent carious lesions and cracks.”
In layman’s terms, this device can pick up decay both on the biting surfaces of the teeth, between the teeth and around fillings that have redecayed.
Can the data be stored and duplicated?
In addition the photos can be captured and stored for reference. This is a great help because decay does not always show up on an x-ray, especially with the lower amounts of radiation to meet governmental guidelines. This device has NO radiation.
Will we still need x-rays?
Will this replace x-rays? Very unlikely. X-rays also show tartar (calcified plaque, or calculus) that builds up between the teeth, and this device does not help diagnose this condition. However, the frequency of x-rays may be diminished.
There is a large dental convention this weekend in Atlanta, the Hinman Meeting, and I will find out more information about this and pass it on.