Dentist Toronto

According to the UK’s Evening’s Times, Scottish scientists have created a extraordinary new laser device that could end the need for fillings.

The Strathclyde University team have developed a hand-held machine that uses a laser beam to capture detailed pictures of a patient’s teeth.

According to Researchers, the images will allow dentists to detect and reverse the process of decay before permanent damage has been done. They go on to boast that it will virtually eradicate the need for fillings.

Shaped like a gin, the laser device, costing approximately $2,400, has been acclaimed as a major step forward because it detects tooth decay before it is visible on traditional X-rays.

It reads light waves which reflect from the face of a tooth to create detailed images. Once the decay is spotted, dentists can use fluoride to replace the lost minerals in the enamel.

“It is known that teeth can heal themselves and remineralise if you spot the decay early enough.” says Professor, and inventor, John Girkin.

“The problem is that a dentist is looking for a white spot on a white background on an X-ray, so it is impossible to spot decay until it is too late.

“But this device can significantly reduce the number of fillings and have a dramatic effect on the state of the nation’s oral health.”

The machine will shortly begin clinical trials and scientists hope it will be available in the next few years.

Diagnosing decay should then also be safer as patients won’t be exposed to low-level radiation of X-rays.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson recently called for fluoride to be added to all UK water supplies in a bid to fight tooth decay. Critics say it can cause brittle bones.

To get away from X-rays would be fantastic because we want to reduce exposure to radiation and make the trip to the dentist much less stressful. I hope to see this at a greater Toronto Area Dentist soon!