Fluorescence and Near-Infrared Light Transillumination

Abstract

This article describes the current applications of various technologies based on either autofluorescence or near-infrared light illumination, tailored to aid practitioners in detecting and quantitatively monitoring oral diseases such as dental caries and oral cancer at the earliest stage of their formation, or in the conservative surgical excision of necrotic bones in diseases such as chronic osteomyelitis, osteoradionecrosis, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. The data discussed are primarily based on published scientific studies and reviews from case reports, clinical trials, and in vitro and in vivo studies. References have been traced manually, by MEDLINE, or through manufacturer's websites.

Keywords: Autofluorescence; Dental caries; Early detection; Fluorescence technologies; Near infra-red transillumination; Optical devices; Oral cancer; Osteoradionecrosis.