Features:

• White light emitting diode (LED) light source.
• Focused glass fiber optic light guide.
• Battery Operated.
• Measures only 5" x 5/8" diameter (13cm x 1.5cm diameter).

Benefits:

• Provides high intensity light for diagnostic procedures with extremely long 50,000-hour life and low battery drain.
• Autoclaveable light guide provides concentrated 3mm spot.
• Easily portable.
• Compact unit easily fits in your pocket.

Transillumination Technique:
To detect anterior caries, place the probe on the labio-cervical region of the tooth and examine from the lingual with a mouth mirror, as shown in figure 1b. To diagnose posterior proximal caries, place the probe on the bucco-cervical area of the tooth. Light passes into the cervical region of the tooth structure and then radiates occlusally. Caries appear as dark triangular shadow on the occlusal surface as shown in figure 2b. Subgingival calculus can be demonstrated, as shown in figure 3b. It appears dark in contrast to the translucent tooth structure.

References:

• Friedman, J. and Marcus, M.I.: Transillumination of the Oral Cavity with use of Fiber Optics. J.A.D.A 80: 801-809, April 1970.
• Cortes, D.F., Ekstrand, K.R. et al.: An In Vitro Comparison of the Ability of Fiber-Optic Transillumination, Visual Inspection and Radiographs to Detect Occlusal Caries and Evaluate Lesion Depth: Caries Research 2000, 34: 443-447.
• Davies, G.M., Worthington, H.V., et al: British Dental Journal 191: 145-147, August 2001.