In the diagnostic process of general practice, the clinical examination is based on visual information and tactile sensation obtained with the aid of mirror and probe. But this method has quite limited performance and may even prove traumatic for patients.
Non-invasive diagnostic aids have appeared in recent years. These devices rely on the principles of transillumination, laser and differential quantitative measurement of fluorescence or electrical impedance. However, their limited field of investigation and constraints on their use make them difficult to integrate into the daily dental practice.
Full realisation of the needs in oral prophylaxis, combined with the historical expertise of Sopro in dental imaging and fluorescent technology made it possible to develop SoproCare, the new fluorescent imaging system combined with selective chromatic amplification.
SoproCare is intended for clinical practice in general dentistry, directed towards preventive concepts, prophylactic care and overall patient management. Its purpose is to tell you about the condition of the tissues on which you are working.
Dental prophylaxis aims to prevent and therefore stop the appearance or spread of a disease. Its universal principle nowadays is to avoid damage by the early detection of pathological symptoms and minimally invasive restoration while treating the cause.
It starts first of all with the patient’s realisation of the importance of his or her cooperation in maintaining a good level of oral health. A patient who is aware of his or her oral health status is far more likely to grasp and accept the necessary treatment plan that you give them.
The general concept of prophylaxis therefore hinges on communication with the patient. Prophylaxis begins with a complete periodontal and caries check-up. To assist the dentist or hygienist in their preventive care and visual diagnosis, SoproCare offers three distinct operating modes: Perio mode, Cario mode and Daylight mode. The information gathered by SoproCare enables the dental team to communicate the patient’s individual state of oral health. The first signs of pathology are demonstrated to the patient, the probable progress can be illustrated and the therapeutic measures, to halt the disease, can be explained. The visual follow-up will also motivate patients over time.
Autofluorescence
Certain molecules in the body emit a fluorescence without external intervention other than light excitation. This is known as autofluorescence or endogenous fluorescence, to distinguish it from induced or exogenous fluorescence, which uses external fluorophores that can be administered systemically or topically.
This is the phenomenon of autofluorescence which is used by SoproCare. It is based on the stimulation of endogenous fluorophores present in the tissues of the teeth. This non-invasive imaging can be performed without any risk and does not require any exogenous fluorophore, which can sometimes prove toxic and necessitate specific regulation.
Perio mode
Perio mode also uses the phenomenon of fluorescence, but this time combined with selective chromatic amplification. When this mode is in use, the tooth is illuminated with both blue LEDs (for fluorescence) and white LEDs (to maintain the relief) in order to recover the fluorescence emitted in return by pigments present in dental plaque.
Cario mode
The photons (elementary light particles) supplied by an external light source such as a laser or a lamp (with a narrow wavelength bandwidth) shine onto the materials of the tooth (enamel and dentine). The energy supplied by the excitation source (LEDs camera) to the material (dentine) causes an increase in the energy of the elementary particles of the material, which become highly unstable.
In order to return to a ground state, they release their excess energy by emitting photons of lower energy than the excitation light and a higher wavelength (Stokes Law). This is the phenomenon of fluorescence.
Dental health is now recognised as being an important part of the overall medical fitness required to enjoy a healthy and active life. Using the latest technology enables you to go further in achieving this than any ever before.