Dental Imaging System Replaces X-rays, Ends Radiation Risk

LSU researchers have invented a dental imaging system that replaces X-rays and eliminates their associated health risks with a special mouthwash and near infrared light.

“Dental X-rays involve radiation, and there is no completely safe dosage. Any exposure carries a potential risk, an increased chance of cancer or altered genes,” said LSU Electrical Engineering Associate Professor Jian Xu. “The hazard is greater for children, who typically have the most exposure to dental X-rays  and whose growing bodies are more sensitive to radiation.”

With the LSU system, patients rinse with indocyanine green mouthwash, a medical dye approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The dye glows under near infrared light, revealing cavities, cracks in enamel and other issues. A miniature camera captures images of the patient’s teeth.

“Our system is fast, inexpensive and safe,” Xu said.

• LSU, through its Office of Innovation & Technology Commercialization (ITC), is seeking partners to help bring the discovery to market. For licensing inquiries, contact techlicensing@lsu.edu

The LSU equipment costs a fraction of dental X-ray or CT machines. Patients would pay $45 to $75 for imaging, mainly for the dye. A patient can expect to pay around $150 for a dental X-ray.

The global market for dental imaging was estimated at $4.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $8.6 billion by 2032.

The patented system offers other advantages, including:

• Early detection of cracks, preventing root canals or tooth extraction. As many as 74% of adults have at least one cracked tooth. Current diagnostic tools, such as X-rays and CT scans, face a critical limitation: they can only identify the cracks after they progress into deeper dental layers like dentin or pulp. By then, the tooth may be infected or the damage so great that pulling the tooth is the only option. This innovation may dramatically reduce long-term oral health complications and costs linked to delayed care.

• Real-time imaging from multiple angles eliminates the need for taking multiple X-rays.

• Deep tissue imaging capabilities. The system can provide images up to 10 mm below the surface.

“Many children struggle with traditional X-ray sensors, which can be large and uncomfortable. The kids have to be still, which isn’t always easy for them. If they move, the X-ray may be blurry. Then more X-rays have to be taken, increasing the child’s radiation exposure,” Xu said. “Our system has a compact sensor. The experience is less scary and stressful.”

“By replacing traditional X-rays with a safer, cost-effective solution, LSU is leading the way in improving patient care and public health,” said Robert Twilley, vice president of research and economic development.

Xu, Shaomian Yao, an associate professor at LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, and Zhonqiang Li, an electrical engineering grad student, invented the imaging system and the mouthwash.

“We’re excited about helping pursue commercial opportunities for these breakthrough discoveries,” said Daniel Felch, ITC senior commercialization officer.