Answer to Question #97406 in Electric Circuits for hameeda

Question

How can we use electric resistance in dentistry

Answer 1

Impedance phlebography uses changes of electric resistance in tissues to examine their conditions. For instance, the electrical resistance of a tooth depends on the mineral content in the tooth, on the presence of caries and some other factors, so comparing these values (over time) dentists can have a picture of a tooth's remineralization/demineralization. The mechanism is very easy to understand if you remember that ions and electrons are the carriers of electricity and the higher their quantity, the less resistance a tissue has. According to Pretty (2006), "an increase in the porosity of the tooth leads to a decrease in the electrical resistance or impedance. Water and other soluble electrolytes from the saliva may enter the carious pores and increase electrical conductance of the entire tooth. (Pretty, 2006)."

References:

Pretty, I. A. (2006). Caries detection and diagnosis: novel technologies. J Dent, 34(10), 727-739.