Design of a fluorescence camera for detection of dental caries

Abstract

The aim of this study was firstly to design a dental camera based on the fluorescence technique for detection of dental caries and secondly to apply this device in the analysis and diagnosis of different types of caries. Using light-emitting diodes operating in the near ultraviolet spectral regions (370–390 nm) for excitation, the obtained fluorescence images of carious teeth were different from of sound teeth due to the presence of bacteria Streptococcus mutans producing metabolites called porphyrins. The sound teeth showed the blue fluorescence while the carious regions illuminated the red light. Based on the fluorescence color, dental caries can be discovered even in the early stages. Besides, this tool have some advantages such as safety (non-ionizing radiation), rapid test time, mobility, archiving software (saving diagnostic result as image and video) and low cost.