Researchers from the International University of Science and Technology: Terahertz (THz) radiation is a promising solution for the diagnosis and treatment of difficult oral lesions
Terahertz (THz) radiation has made a big splash in the world of medical technology in general, and the fields of dentistry and oral oncology in particular. This innovative technology is celebrated for being non-invasive and non-ionizing, offering a promising solution for the diagnosis and treatment of difficult oral lesions such as tumors and cysts.
The Faculty of Dentistry at the International Private University of Science and Technology highlighted this innovative technology in a research article titled: “A Leap in Oral Healthcare: Terahertz radiation aspirations in the treatment of oral tumor lesions” in which the researchers studied the use of terahertz radiation and waves in the treatment of dental and oral lesions, based on modern physical principles.
According to the article, THz rays are located in a unique position on the electromagnetic spectrum, between microwaves and infrared light, and what distinguishes it from traditional methods such as X-rays and chemotherapy is its safety profile; THz technology minimizes the risk of cell damage and reduces side effects.
According to this article: Recent discoveries have improved the accuracy of THz imaging, leading to earlier detection of oral diseases and more precise targeting of lesions that can appear in a variety of forms (fibroids, mucous cysts, cysts…) and their traditional treatment methods often require surgical procedures that carry the risk of complications, while THz waves selectively disrupt abnormal tissues based on their specific dissociation energy, preserving healthy cells in the process, and this targeted method not only enhances patient safety but also leads to better treatment outcomes.
The power of THz radiation is its ability to match the energy levels of specific lesions. For example, treating a mucous cyst requires a different disintegration energy compared to treating a gingival cyst. Through the use of advanced amplification techniques, healthcare providers can use THz photons for targeted treatments, positioning this technology as a valuable asset for oral health professionals.
Research into THz applications in oral medicine is still ongoing, studies have shown its potential in detecting early-stage dental caries and evaluating dental materials, and as researchers continue to optimize THz systems for clinical uses, this technology is on track to become a major player in preventive dentistry, enabling timely interventions that can greatly benefit patient care.
The limited depth of penetration of THz beams into biological tissues may limit their use for treating deeper lesions, and in addition, there is an urgent need for effective amplification methods and comprehensive safety assessments as the field develops.
Ethical considerations also play a critical role in the clinical application of THz, it is essential to ensure informed consent, protect patient rights, and monitor any potential long-term effects of THz exposure to maintain trust and safety in patient care.
The research article concluded that the advent of THz represents a major advancement in oral health care, with its ability to non-invasively diagnose and treat oral lesions, this technology has the potential to reshape dentistry and as research continues and more of its potential is uncovered, THz may redefine our approach to oral health and oncology, offering patients safer and more effective treatment options.
The research article is funded by the International University for Science and Technology and was published in the Saudi Journal of Oral Sciences, a well-known Wolters Kluwer publishing house indexed in DOAJ open access scientific publishing containers.