Could thermal imaging technology revolutionize the screening process for individuals concerned about infected root canals, cavitations or chronic dental infections? This article delves into the intriguing possibility of utilizing thermal imaging as a screening tool and its potential applications in dentistry.

A recurring source of frustration has been the absence of a reliable tool to help individuals identify problematic root canals. While the removal of a root canal-treated tooth might not always be the ideal solution, determining which root canals pose challenges has been a longstanding challenge.

Inspiration struck when considering the application of existing thermal imaging technology in a new context. Thermography—a technology initially developed by the military and adopted by NASA—could serve as a valuable tool for identifying chronic heat or inflammation in the mouth, with a baseline image of the face before and after the root canal procedure to determine if the infection had been abated.

While X-rays are effective at detecting structural abnormalities like fractures or dental issues, thermography is better suited to identify areas of increased heat/cold and inflammation within the entire body. Thermography has the ability to see abnormal blood flow from infected root canals that can travel to various organs of the body and create more disease, if not properly detected.

Thermography became medically approved and FDA-registered in 1982 without the use of radiation or compression. Thermography in medicine has diverse applications, offering a safe and non-invasive means of assessing temperature patterns and abnormal blood flow within the whole body, associated with physiological and pathological conditions. Early preventative detection of potential areas of concern seen within the thermogram can provide the client an opportunity to look at lifestyle and necessary dietary changes with their doctor or practitioner before it turns into a disease.

In collaboration with thermographer Lisa Holliday, known for her work in preventative screening for inflammation and abnormal blood flow within the body, which is the precursor for disease and breast issues, Inflammation Imaging of Tucson explored the potential of thermal imaging to identify areas of chronic heat in the face. This breakthrough offered a promising solution for individuals who faced the challenge of determining the problematic root canals among multiple treatments.

Thermal imaging emerges as a functional screening tool for dentistry, potentially aiding in the identification of root canals with chronic inflammation, cavitations and early-stage abscesses. In comparison to traditional X-rays, thermal imaging can detect subtle signs of chronic heat and inflammation in the mouth before they escalate into full-blown abscesses.

While thermal imaging may not be widely known in dental circles, its potential to revolutionize oral health screenings is evident. Explore this innovative technology, as it could play a crucial role in the future of dental diagnostics.