A new type of laser test could mean far fewer of us have to go under the dentist’s drill.
The laser test, developed by a team from the University of Sydney, could be used to identify weaknesses in teeth enamel earlier than is currently possible, cutting down on the need for filings.
The researchers beamed short, low-energy laser pulses at the teeth enamel. These caused acoustic waves in the surface of the enamel, which were then detected in the infrared laser light that was reflected back from the tooth. According to New Scientist: the team "found that changes in mineralisation of the enamel which signal the onset of decay appear to cause characteristic changes in the pattern of acoustic waves".
In particular, the team says in the conclusion of its report, which was published in Optics Express, that there was an increase in the speed and frequency of the waves when enamel had worn away to expose the dentin underneath.
Hsiao-Chuan Wang, one of the researchers, says that the team now plans to create a more compact system. "The ultimate goal is to come up with a quick, efficient, cost-effective and non-destructive way to evaluate mineralisation," he says.