Detection of incipient carious lesions formed on human teeth in vitro using ultraviolet laser.
OBJECTIVE
A 325-nm ultraviolet (UV) laser was tested for effectiveness in the detection of incipient carious lesions on teeth.


BACKGROUND
The combination of early detection with new intervention methods and caries management will be the preferred dentistry of the future.


METHODS
Carious lesions from extracted teeth or from demineralized teeth were irradiated by UV laser, and the fluorescence spectrum was measured. The peak ratio between two peak intensities in the spectrum was determined.


RESULTS
Fluorescence peak intensity of approximately 425 nm was gradually decreased as carious lesions formed, whereas the change 625 nm was less significant. The peak ratio change between peak intensities of approximately 425 and at 625 nm was observed after 30 min of demineralization. Morphological changes were barely observable in this range.


CONCLUSIONS
A 325-nm UV laser showed high efficacy in the detection of incipient carious lesions. By evaluating peak ratio, the incipient carious lesions could be detected.
Song
Keun-Bae
KB
Department of Preventive Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea.
Choi
Youn-Hee
YH
Jeong
Seong-Hwa
SH
Seol
Hyo-Joung
HJ
Kim
Hyung-Il
HI
Kwon
Yong Hoon
YH
D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003732:Dental Caries Activity Tests / Q000295:instrumentation; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007834:Lasers; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008963:Molar / Q000528:radiation effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012494:Sampling Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays