It's been a bit since I mentioned this device, but I think it bears repeating occasionally for those of you who my be new to the blog or have missed this in the past.
I'm a huge fan of communication and especially communication with patients. This whole concept began in the 90s when my father (who wasn't a dentist) saw an intraoral camera for the first time. He happened to be with me for the demo of a cutting edge intraoral imaging system. Back then it was standalone and on a cart. Heck, back then there was no such thing as computers in the operatory so the entire imaging system was wheeled around on a cart.
My dad was amazed at what he could see on the screen. At the time, a simple camera system was $15.5K and the moment the sales guy left my dad turned to me and said, "When are you going to buy it? You have to get one!!!"
This was early in my career and I didn't have the money to buy it. My dad offered to loan me the money and told me that if I didn't buy it immediately, I was making a mistake. He then went on to explain to me that if I could show people their problems and helped them understand the reason for treatment, I would be able to help more people. He explained that it's all about communication. My dad was in sales and he understood that inherently. The next week, I had a camera in my office and I was shocked at just how right my dad had been.
In a nutshell, better informed patients make better decisions about their care. It's just that simple. For that reason, I've always loved any kind of tech that allows me to better communicate with my patients.
Which brings us to today's post. Not too long ago, Kavo brought a new device to market. It's called the DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD and it is a terrific piece of technology. For the first time in the history of the profession a doctor or team member can pick up a single device and acquire every image possible that doesn't require x-rays. The DIAGNOcam Vision functions as an intraoral camera, a transilluminator, and a visual caries detection device.
The unit not only takes all three types of images, but it can be configured to take all three types with the push of a single button. Basically you put the device on top of the tooth, push a button and pop, pop, pop... all three images appear.
Camera
The camera, as the name implies, is a true HD image. The illumination for photos is bright and images have terrific contrast. The camera also has true autofocus so the images are always sharp and clear. The autofocus works so well, that it can even be used as an extra oral camera for patient photos. The best part is that because of the autofocus, there is no distortion or 'fish-eye' even on images taken of the patient's face.
Transillumination
Transillumination is a great diagnostic tool. It allows the operator to see small areas of interproximal decay as well as cracks and fracture lines. There are a lot of devices available to perform that function. However, others are like tiny flashlights that let the operator shine the light from the buccal or the lingual with no way of actually taking a photo of the situation. The DIAGNOcam Vision handles it in a much more high tech way. The device has small flexible arms (see the photo at the top of this post) that gently grip the tooth. Those arms have fiberoptics in them and the device uses an invisible NIR (near infrared) wavelength that penetrates the tooth. While invisible to the human eye, it can be seen by the camera in the device. This lets the device capture an image from the occlusal surface while the tooth is illuminated from the buccal and lingual with the NIR.
The images are crisp and highly diagnostic. The NIR provides incredible illumination with low intensity which means there are no overly bright spots. This is a great way to monitor small areas, especially when the doctor is using remineralization therapy. It allows for monitoring of an area on a regular basis since no x-rays are required. It's also incredibly useful for pediatric patients or patients that are pregnant.
Caries Fluorescence
Finding caries when it is tiny is another way to conservatively manage patients. Under certain wavelengths of light, metabolic byproducts, called porphyrins, fluoresce. The DIAGNOcam Vision uses one of those wavelengths to bathe the tooth in a purple bluish light that lets the operator actually see where those bacteria are located. After polishing the teeth to remove plaque, the light can indicate where live bacteria are causing breakdown of tooth structure. This means caries can be located when the area is tiny. If a restoration is required, this means more conservation of healthy tooth structure. It can also help with remineralization therapy because areas can be frequently monitored. The images can be saved and compared to create a virtual time lapse of progression or remineralization.
Wrapping Up
I was lucky enough to be able to clinically evaluate the DIAGNOcam Vision before it was publicly available and I was impressed. The device is easy to use, well designed, and is a *great* communication tool. Being able to collect diagnostic images quickly and easily while then allowing the patient to see their situation is a remarkable win/win for the practice. My dad was right. Better informed patients make better decisions. Combining that fact with the ability of the practioner to also be better informed through all of these imaging modalities leads to better outcomes.
For more info on the DIAGNOcam Vision Full HD you can follow this link.
No comments:
Post a Comment