Fluorescence Enhanced Theragnosis
by Liviu Steier
DMD, MSc, PhD
Abstract
Identification and elimination of oral bacteria are among dental clinician’s main tasks. Daylight diagnosis although supported by magnification does not guarantee point-of-care visual identification of oral bacteria.The application of fluorescence is a key diagnosis approach in microbiology for this purpose.Bacterial infection decontamination with soft and hard tissue is the goal of treatment achievement. Direct visual point-of-care identification of goal achievement is currently not implemented in clinical dental practice protocols. Antibiotic treatment be it systemic or local still finds its recommendation.Application of Fluorescence in Clinical Dentistry has been introduced in Dentistry in 1911 by Stubel. Laser and LED induced Fluorescence are today routinely used in clinical practice.Presenting the scientifically confirmed knowledge of simple and highly efficient use of LED-induced fluorescence as treatment guidance from diagnosis to treatment goal achievement is the intention of this lecture. The author will introduce and document the handsfree “Fluorescence Enhanced Theragnosis” concept, and its protocols for the different clinical applications: Cariology, Periodontology, Peri-Implantology, Oral Hygiene, and Oral Surgery and Pathology (tumor). Confirmed benefits for the clinician and the patient will be enumerated and documented.