DetectarTM: A Novel LED-based Optical Probe for Subgingival Calculus Detection

The principal objective of periodontal therapy is the conservative elimination of soft and hard bacterial deposits on the root surface and to prevent recolonization of periodontal pockets by pathogenetic bacteria (Cobb, 1996; Van der Weijden et al, 2002). The rationale for the complete elimination of calcified hard deposits is based of the etiology of chronic destructive periodontal diseases. The beneficial effects of subgingival calculus removal on gingival health, pocket depth and attachment levels have been documented in numerous clinical studies and in histological reports (Isidor et al, 1984; Jones et al, 1972; Pihlstrom et al, 1997). Therefore, the initial hygiene phase is fundamental to successful periodontal therapy without causing root damage (Mandel et al, 1986; Schenkein, 1999). Currently, the thoroughness of subgingival root debridement is determined by the degree of smoothness and hardness of the root surface. Studies related to root planing have shown that complete removal of calculus might be difficult (Sherman et al, 1990). Following debridement of the periodontally involved root surface, the clinician traditionally evaluates the endpoint of root surface instrumentation with a probe or curette and has to rely on his tactile sense (Clerehugh et al, 1996; Low, 1995). Distinguishing between the existence of calculus and aberrations in the morphology of the root surface may be difficult or impossible (Rabbani et al, 1981; Sherman et al, 1990) and it is not always possible to prevent loss of root substance free of calculus. Due to cumulative effect, substance removal per scaling may result in severe root damage over time (Zappa et al, 1991). Incomplete removal of subgingival calculus may be responsible for a high percentage of treatment failures. Clearly, there is a need for the development of alternative methods to assist with the detection of residual calculus (Pippin et al, 1992). One experimental detection system is based on measurements of resonance vibrations of ultrasonic treatment (Kocher et al, 2000). Another technology based on the occurrence of fluorescence light was DetectarTM: A Novel LED-based Optical Probe for Subgingival Calculus Detection