Advance Caries Detection: SoproLIFE Dental Caries System 1

Anissa Adams, Kimberly Tran, & Rosaura Garcia

DHYG 2301

Lamar Institute of Technology

23 March 2017
Advance Caries Detection: SoproLIFE Dental Caries System 2

SoproLIFE, discovered by the ACTEON Group, is an imaging fluorescence device aiding

in the diagnosis and treatment of caries as well as an intraoral camera. LIFE standing for Light

Induced Fluorescent Evaluator. The auto fluorescence technology in SoproLIFE allows the

dental professional to detect occlusal or interproximal decay, even at the earliest stages, which

can often be missed through the naked eye and x-rays. Dental caries is the most common oral

disease worldwide that has affected nearly 100% of the adult population. Therefore, its

beneficial for the patient to have a visual of a carious lesion to have a better understanding and

become more aware of their oral health.

Over the years, new technology is rapidly being introduced in order to improve or

prevent the progression of cavities. To date, there is now two major techniques aimed at helping

clinicians in detecting caries. The two major ways are represented by visual examination and

light based caries detection devices such as the SoproLIFE. The visual examination is done by

the use of radiographs and explorers to detect the carious lesions. The use of the radiographs in

the visual examination is to detect the caries interproximally, meanwhile the explorers are used

applying pressure on the suspicious area by using the sharp tip of the instrument. The visual

examination is said to detect caries once the tooth enamel has reached 30%-40% of

demineralization. Meaning, the tooth now requires restorative work. In contrast, the SoproLIFE

can detect the suspicious area in an instant. The fluorescence light is stimulated by a wavelength

that ranges from 400-700 nanometers, which distinguishes various color that classifies its

significance. The amount of light is measured and absorbed depending on the tooth structure. For

example, the longer wavelength appears red if its a carious lesion and the shorter the wavelength

will appear a violent color for a healthy tooth. Although fluorescence light helps distinguish the

cavity, it can give a false positive reading due to remaining deposits (plaque, stains, calculus,
Advance Caries Detection: SoproLIFE Dental Caries System 3

etc.). To resolve this issue, the tooth must be thoroughly cleaned with a sodium bicarbonate or

pumice before using the device to provide an accurate reading.

There are several advantages and disadvantages about SoproLIFE. Although visual

examination is the most commonly used method, SoproLIFE is a fast, easy to use, efficient, and

the safest way for special need patients. The unique properties of SoproLIFE is the fluorescent

light that distinguishes between a healthy tooth from an infected tooth. On the other hand, there

are times when visual examination cannot detect visible lesions through the naked eye. The

lesion can be determined when it is at the advance stage, which requires immediate treatment.

However, SoproLIFE is a beneficial tool that magnifies the lesion at its earliest stage to avoid

unnecessary procedure. The SoproLIFE can detect the dentin that is possibly infected as well as

the enamel. For instance, when a clinician preps for the filling, he or she can apply the device to

examine the dentin that has been overlooked. This helps the clinician determine how much more

needs to be drilled by the red fluorescent light shown. Another advantage to SoproLIFE is that it

minimizes the exposure of radiation to special needs patients. Pregnant women or those that

require a medical release form from their physician in order to take x-rays. It could also be

beneficial for children who have a low tolerance and may have a gag reflex. There has been

clinical studies of which technique between visual examination and SoproLIFE that would

provide better results. Visual examination has been used for many centuries. It has come to a

conclusion that there is no statistical difference between the two methods. The method used is

based on the operators own preference since both methods diagnose the same number of cavities.

The operators determining factor on which method to use is based on the expense. SoproLIFE

being a high-tech device will have a costly outcome whereas the visual examination only

contains the basic instruments and radiographs that are much affordable.
Advance Caries Detection: SoproLIFE Dental Caries System 4

Within the SoproLIFE Dental Caries System, you have four modes: Extraoral Mode,

Intraoral Mode, Macro Mode, and the Caries Detection Mode. Extraoral mode is used to take

portraits and profiles within a 30 mm focal range or more. The intraoral mode is used to take a

range of pictures such as smiles, a certain arch or quad, and even a particular tooth. The focal

spot of this mode is anywhere from 5-20 mm. The Macro Mode on the device can magnify the

image up to 115X. However, in order to get a clear picture, you must make sure that the lens of

the camera is right up against the tooth surface - due to the focal range being at 0 mm. Finally,

the most important mode, Caries Detection. This mode goes along with two modes which are the

diagnostic mode and the treatment mode. The treatment mode is used during restorative work.

When the dental professional is in open prep and actually excavating areas of decay. It the best

time to use this mode because as you are working you can see the red light until it is completely

gone, which falls in line under minimal invasive dentistry. Diagnostic mode is used for detecting

decay which stimulates the green and red fluorescent light. Whenever it is set on caries detection,

a black cap must be applied first along with a barrier. The purpose of this black cap is to stabilize

and block out any ambient light to create a nice focal range for the camera. A fluorescent light

emits from the camera will shine into a tooth, penetrate the enamel of tooth, excite the dentin

within the tooth, and what will fluores back is the morphology of the tooth. A green light will be

reflected back if it is healthy. Any red reflection is going to represent collagen breakdown or

decay. Once all the decay is removed it is recommended that you go back and snap a picture for

it to be documented.

In La Ciotat, France; the ACTEON Group (SOPRO) of imaging was discovered, creating

an organization for imaging directed toward health and dental purposes. It is known for dental

video imaging where studies and clinical testing develops new technology that focus on the
Advance Caries Detection: SoproLIFE Dental Caries System 5

significant of fluorescence. SOPRO focuses on image techniques offering various items; used for

detecting dental caries to interpreting pictures for treatment. SOPRO is versatile to meet many

necessities of any dental personnel, and including surgical procedures. Also, SOPRO has

numerous types of equipment such as endoscopy camera and other light sources. Researchers

and the usage of procedural knowledge of the company invest money to analyze information to

invent an electrical device that uses fluorescence to detect caries coming together to create an

original device resulting in detecting caries with fluorescences.

SoproLIFE has really changed the way dental professionals work all over the country.

Paul Feuerstein DMD from North Billerica, MA stated, SoproLIFE has transformed his dental

profession by identifying the caries that he mistakenly overlooked. It gained him clarity to work

safely and effectively while using SoproLIFE. "The SoproLIFE has literally changed the way I

do operative dentistry and case presentations. The images pre-op and during the procedures have

helped me professionally in recognizing areas of decay that I might have otherwise missed. It

also gives the patients a sense of total confidence in the thoroughness of my "work" as well as

the use of the latest technology for their care (SoproLIFE Acteon).

In Woodbridge, NJ Martin Jablow DMD mentions the device is reliable on identifying

caries with intraoral camera. This device impacted his career life by allowing him to provide a

sufficient diagnoses and care for his patients. He quotes, The SoproLIFE combines an intraoral

camera providing exceptional detail with caries detection into one device making caries detection

easier. Additionally, SoproLIFE enhances my skills as a dentist by enabling me to detect caries

earlier and more conservatively remove decay. SoproLIFE is a valuable tool to examine teeth for

caries and fractures more thorough. (SoproLIFE Acteon). Overall, SoproLIFE is finest

technology for distinguishing caries for dental personnel to improve their skills.
Advance Caries Detection: SoproLIFE Dental Caries System 6

In conclusion, the ultimate goal of a dental examination is to provide Minimally Invasive

Dentistry (MID) to determine the necessary treatment needed for the patients. The company

Acteon continues to develop new dental technology following the protocol of MID. Again,

SoproLIFE is a unique device that requires minimal effort. However, some operators do not

believe the device is accurate. On the contrary, visual examination requires more aids and skills

to perform the diagnosis of suspicious areas, yet it is the most commonly used method. Whether

the operator choses to use SoproLIFE or visual examination to detect decay, it will lead to

successfully evaluating and diagnosing the overall health of one being.

Advance Caries Detection: SoproLIFE Dental Caries System 7

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