APPLICATION OF INFRARED LIGHT IN DENTAL MEDICINE. A REVIEW

Abstract

The use of infrared (IR) light in dentistry has developed rapidly over the past few decades. Devices do not require an external energy source but can be activated by body heat. IR can be used to improve diagnosis or treatment. Currently, the use of infrared thermography (ITR) in modern medicine is experiencing continuous growth due to the technological advantages of the method in the prevention and monitoring of some diseases, the selection and evaluation of treatments, as well as its high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity reported by specialized studies. Technological advances in the new generations of infrared detectors have led to an increase in the level of precision offered by thermal imaging as an alternative method of medical diagnosis or treatment. The improved thermal sensitivity has contributed to the expansion of the use of IR in all medical fields, including dentistry, in specialities such as endodontics, odontology, periodontics, prosthetics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, TMJ pathology, implantology, allergology, oral pathology, photostimulation. Thermograms can be stored, processed and sent digitally, which makes them compatible with other modern technologies. Colour coded thermograms are easier to interpret. Infrared thermography has numerous advantages, such as speed of realization, comfort for the patient, absence of contraindications and side effects, qualitative evaluation of the examined affection.

Keywords

• infrared light
• dental medicine
• telethermometry
• temperature
• thermography