LAS VEGAS--A new pen-sized device designed to make the process of locating
and diagnosing even the tiniest caries simple, fast and accurate, is now available to dental professionals in the United States.
The device, the D-Carie miniT from neks Technologies of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, will be distributed in the U.S. exclusively by St. Paul, Minn.-based
Patterson Dental. The official U.S. launch of the device and the exclusive partnership was announced Oct. 19.
The D-Carie miniT is a lightweight, pen-sized and cordless device that uses fiber optic technology and light-emitting diodes to accurately detect both occlusal and interproximal caries--even when lesions are in their earliest stages.
The D-Carie miniT is easy to operate and requires no calibration or complex interpretation, according to Dr. Naim Karazivan, a dentist and neks cofounder who invented the device.
"This technology is revolutionizing the global dentistry market by simplifying and expediting the accurate, early detection of caries," Dr. Karazivan said. "Dental professionals now have the option of a more time-efficient, cost-effective way to deliver an earlier diagnosis."
The device emits sound and light signals when aries are detected, enabling the dentist to locate, diagnose and treat the affected area and avoid unnecessary work on healthy surfaces, an approach that is consistent with an emerging
trend in dentistry, Dr. Karazivan said.
Dentistry is moving from the surgical model for preventing tooth decay (placing restorations) toward identification of early carious lesions and treating them with non-surgical methods including remineralization.
The new, fully sterilizable non-invasive device is designed to detect both occlusal and interproximal caries, using the same two-in-one probe. It features cordless technology, battery power and a compact profile that offers practitioners easy handling and simplified, efficient operation.
According to a study performed by the University of Montreal, the neks D-Carie miniT detects more than 91 percent of occlusal caries. This represents nearly twice the rate obtained through conventional exploration and visual examination.
Dental faculties of major universities worldwide, including New York University,
Indiana University, Virginia Commonwealth University and Bonn University in Germany, are currently evaluating the device and comparing it with other caries detection technologies. Preliminary results are very encouraging, Dr. Karazivan said.
When used as a diagnostic aid in conjunction with an X-ray, the neks D-Carie miniT, allows dentists to assess a third dimension--the volume of caries--before even beginning to open the cavity.
The device also provides dentists with an option for examining and diagnosing children, pregnant women and patients who prefer to forgo X-rays or limit their exposure to them for health or personal reasons.
