ECM Electronic Caries Measurement

Definition

Electrical resistance measurement for caries diagnosis ( See also Caries in Dentin and Enamel caries ). Tooth decay leads to an increased porosity of the tooth structure "minipore formation". This porosity is filled with liquid from the environment, which contains many ions. An increased ion content in the pores leads to increased electrical conductivity or vice versa, an increased porosity leads to a reduced electrical resistance¹.

References

Longbottom C, Huysmans M-CDNJM (2004): Electrical Measurements for Use in Caries Clinical Trials. Journal of Dental Research 83, 76–79.