Fluorescence-Aided Caries Excavation: FACE

Fluorescence-aided caries excavation (FACE) is a relatively new fluorescence-based tool allowing specific assessment of the degree of bacterial infection of carious dentin during caries excavation before placement of a restoration. Infected dentin fluoresces red, while dentin which is not bacterially invaded, fluoresces green. This allows the operator to distinguish between the two and decide exactly what should be removed and what can be left behind. It is especially useful in cases where the caries lesion extends close to the dental pulp and has other benefits such as the identification of tooth-colored composite restorative materials, which may be difficult to distinguish from healthy tissue.