The technique reveals the pixel intensities at different X-ray wavelengths, much like the histogram analysis of images by a high-specification digital camera.

Head researcher R. Siva Kumar, of the RMK Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, explains that the software reveals that the X-ray histogram and spectrum are very different depending on whether the teeth X-rayed are normal or exhibiting the early stages of decay. The researchers found that in the X-ray histogram, the pixel intensities are concentrated in different ranges depending on degree of decay.

The technique could be very useful for helping diagnose and manage caries at its earliest stages.

Source: International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology