Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
by Dr Daniel Hetrelezis, St Helens Dental, TAS
This transilluminator is a battery-operated fibre-optic light that’s handheld and portable. It was recommended to me by my mentor Dr Michael Wiley when I was studying at the University of Melbourne in 2014.
What’s good about it
When using this fibre-optic light to inspect the teeth of patients, you’re able to pick up things that are very easy to miss. Micro-fine and hairline cracks can’t be seen by the naked eye.
The unit has two intensities—low or high—that are operated with the press of a button. The light shines out of a three-millimetre-diameter tip and allows you to sharpen your diagnosis. The transilluminator is so effective, I don’t need to perform X-rays as frequently. This means there’s a reduced radiation dose for my patients.
I often have my patients holding a mirror so they can see the shadows and hairline cracks in their mouth. It provides some ‘wow’ factor and encourages them to accept treatment. It also encourages patients to visit your practice because you’re a thorough dentist. The return on investment on this piece of technology is quite exceptional.
Whether to repair the problems picked up by the transilluminator is a decision for the clinician. Sometimes restoration is the answer but often it’s a case of just monitoring. Ultimately, it involves a discussion with the patient who has a choice to either proceed with intervention or keep monitoring.
What’s not so good
It would be great if there was a camera attached to it. The other alternative is to use an intraoral camera but they don’t work as well in highlighting those very fine problems.
