Farewell fillings
16 September 2004
Frightened by fillings? Don't panic! New infrared snapshots reveal your teeth in 3D detail, letting dentists spot the telltale signs of tooth decay before lasting damage is done.
Antenna says, open wide...
September is oral health month.
Image: NASA
Scottish scientists sent infrared light shining through teeth and took pictures from right inside. Putting the snapshot slices together creates an exceptionally detailed 3D view.
These new images may look blurry to you, but to dentists' tuned-in eyes they show decay in its earliest stages. It's not too late for simple fluoride supplements and careful brushing to reverse the damage.
Image: Simon Polland
'Dentists usually seek out trouble spots by scraping and looking, or by taking x-rays. But these techniques only catch decay when it's already quite serious. Our 3D pictures can pinpoint the first signs of damage.'
Simon Poland, decay detective, University of Strathclyde
Simon Poland, decay detective, University of Strathclyde
Simon Poland, decay detective, University of Strathclyde
Image: John Girkin
Will dentists be laying down their tools?
'We won't need to use so many x-rays and we should get clearer pictures. We'll be able to catch decay early and by telling our patients to avoid sugary foods and brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste, they could avoid a filling.'
Andy Hall, dentist, University of Glasgow Dental School
Andy Hall, dentist, University of Glasgow Dental School
Andy Hall, dentist, University of Glasgow Dental School
Image: Andy Hall