The problem

All dental clinics use X-rays. But X-rays are an ionising radiation: this limits the number of images and requires special installations and control. Also, X-rays do not image soft tissue.

Problems with current X-ray based technology include:

• Growing appreciation in the scientific community that increased dental X-ray use, especially in kids, increases the likelihood of cancer.
• Significant overhead incurred by dental professionals in conforming to government regulations concerning ionising radiation.
• Inadequate diagnostic information provided by dental X-rays about soft tissues (e.g., root structures).
• Inadequate anatomic information provided by dental X-rays about the soft tissues of mouth and jaw, crucial in implant procedures.

Our solution

The superiority of conventional MRI in many aspects over X-ray has been obvious since its birth. However, a few barriers have prevented dentists from using MR devices:

MRI produces spectacular images of soft tissues. However, high mineral content in teeth (hard tissues) hinders the MR imaging of enamel, dentin and the soft tissues inside the teeth. Patients experience unpleasant peripheral nerve stimulation during MRI procedures. Fillings, restorations and orthodontic metals that happen to be present in the mouth can produce magnetic distortions, contributing to a worsening of the quality of the image. The large size of conventional MRI systems is too big for use in the typical dental clinic and inconvenient for both dentist and patients. The cost of conventional MRI systems is prohibitive, unaffordable for the budgets of most dental clinics.

Our device overcomes all these barriers through a combination of solutions at the core of which is a patented ultra-fast MRI technology. Our system is radiation-free, with no need for special installation; and the number of images is only determined by diagnostic criteria. Image quality is better, capturing soft and hard tissue. Dental clinics are excited about the prospect of having such a compact, affordable MRI device, which would have the following implications for them:

• Dentists will be able to image their patients as many times as they wish – for example before root canal treatment as a diagnostic and planning, several times during the treatment to check progress, and after the procedure to assess its results.
• Safe for use with kids.
• No special installations or government supervision is required. This saves money and time, freeing up resources and shortening workflow.
• Because of its price, compact size, mobility and, again, its radiation-free nature, the device is optimal for mobile dental care, a business model used by some dental clinics (for example to attend employees of large enterprises on their own premises).