Canary warns of tooth decay

Toronto, Canada-based Quantum Dental Technologies has developed a novel system which detects the early onset of tooth decay without the need for X-rays.

Quantum introduced its Dental Caries Detection System prototype, known as the Canary system, at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) Conference in Toronto, Canada.

'Dentists are limited in their abilities to detect and monitor the early stages of tooth decay with traditional diagnostic tools such as the X-ray and visual examination,' said Dr Stephen Abrams, chief executive officer of Quantum Dental Technologies and dental clinician.

'Now, with this system, we can finally move away from intervention, or the filling of cavities, to focus on prevention and actual remineralisation, or healing, of small areas of tooth decay.'

The Canary system works on the principle that laser light interacts differently with healthy teeth than with decayed teeth. Hence the Canary comprises a handheld laser that emits a low-power light that is used to examine tooth surfaces. When laser light is shone onto the tooth, the system measures the level of glow (luminescence) and heat released from the tooth.