Chapters authored
Caries Management Aided by Fluorescence-Based Devices
Fluorescence-based intraoral cameras are increasingly gaining more interest in the modern dental practice, as an aid for the early detection of carious lesions. Such devices can have different operating systems, such as infrared lasers, quantitative light fluorescence (QLF), or LED lights, but they all rely on the fluorescent properties of tooth structures. Healthy enamel and enamel affected by demineralization have different light-scattering properties, a fact that allows for distinction under excitation with light of a known wavelength. The central problem in the treatment of dental decay is that operational care is still considered the predominant management plan for caries control in the general practice. Devices that use fluorescence have the potential to improve the detection and management of carious lesions significantly. Currently, there are several intraoral devices that employ fluorescence on the market, but more validation studies would be required to uphold the interest of the newly developed devices and to justify their reliability in clinical practice. Dental professionals cannot yet solely rely on one single-fluorescence device for incipient caries diagnosis, but they already present themselves as useful adjunctive tools to traditional examination methods.
Part of the book: Dental Caries
Advancements in Preventive Strategies and Enamel Regeneration: Navigating the Complexities of Dental Care in the Age of Technology
In our technology-driven world, rising dental injuries have prompted re-evaluation of treatment methods. Key focuses include preventing carious lesions through early detection and good oral hygiene. Precise diagnostic tools enable tailored treatments, such as fluoridation, sealing, pH-adjusting diets, resin infiltration, and ozone remineralization. Dental enamel is crucial for tooth function. Researchers aim to replicate its complex structure for biocompatible materials. Hydroxyapatite’s unique properties are vital for hard tissues like bones, enamel, and dentin. Enamel development involves ameloblasts in pre-eruptive and post-eruptive stages. Saliva aids post-eruptive maturation but can lead to bacterial adhesion and enamel demineralization. Preventing enamel demineralization hinges on ion transport and critical pH levels, while low calcium levels impact enamel cells. Dietary sugars interact with bacteria, causing demineralization, but saliva aids remineralization. Caries risk depends on factors like diet, oral hygiene, and tooth morphology. Personalized approaches like Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) for caries risk assessment (CRA) are crucial. Traditional enamel protection methods involve fluoride and dental sealants, but concerns exist about fluoride toxicity and bacterial resistance. Modern alternatives include resin infiltration for early caries, argon laser technique for lesion protection, and ozone therapy to combat decay, offering noninvasive options for enamel care.
Part of the book: Enamel and Dentin-Pulp Complex