At Lyons Creek Dental Care, we are committed to offering the most advanced technology to improve your dental care and we’re excited to introduce our newest innovation: Near-Infrared Imaging (NIRI). This cutting-edge, radiation-free technology helps us detect tooth decay and structural issues earlier, more comfortably, and with greater precision than ever before.
If you’re wondering how NIRI fits into your dental care and why it’s such a game changer, read on.
What Is NIRI?
NIRI (Near-Infrared Imaging) is an advanced diagnostic tool that uses light instead of radiation to evaluate your teeth. Unlike traditional X-rays, which use ionizing radiation to create 2D images, NIRI captures 3D images by using infrared light to penetrate and reflect through your tooth structure.
NIRI is used through a specialized intraoral scanner (like the iTero scanner), which combines imaging, topography, and infrared light to offer a safe, high-tech look at your smile.
What’s In It for You?
NIRI technology gives patients in Shoreline access to more comfortable and accurate dental diagnostics, especially for detecting problems that may not show up on standard X-rays. Here’s why it matters:
1. Radiation-Free Diagnostics
NIRI is completely radiation-free, making it ideal for:
- Children
- Pregnant individuals
- Patients who need frequent monitoring
- Anyone seeking lower-risk diagnostic options
2. Earlier Detection of Damage
NIRI allows us to detect early-stage damage in teeth, often before you feel symptoms or before it’s visible on X-rays. Catching problems early means:
- Smaller fillings
- Less invasive treatment
- Greater chance of preserving natural tooth structure
3. More Accurate Than X-Rays Alone
While X-rays are still valuable for many diagnostic purposes, they only produce 2D images and can sometimes result in false positives or missed areas of concern, especially on the smooth surfaces between teeth.
NIRI solves this by offering high-resolution, real-time 3D imaging that reveals hidden or developing issues with greater clarity.
4. Comfortable & Quick
The NIRI scan is painless, non-invasive, and takes just seconds to complete. No bitewings, no uncomfortable film, and no waiting for image development.
Digital imaging of 3-d topography (left) and NIRI cavity detection (right)
Ask for NIRI at Your Next Visit
Whether you’re due for a routine exam or want a second opinion on an area of concern, we encourage you to ask about NIRI when scheduling your next appointment.
Call us at 206-362-5400 or book your appointment online and let us show you the future of dentistry, today.
References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0300571221002840#abs0001
