Applications

Where dental ultrasound fits, field by field

Ten areas of dentistry, what the published evidence shows in each, and whether it is inside S-WAVE™’s current imaging-and-monitoring scope or a later research direction.

By field

Current scope versus future research

Upper arch, viewed from below; illustration.

General dentistry

Early decay under enamel, cracks under restorations, defective fillings. Published: 82% caries sensitivity vs 75% for bitewings; cracks seen through radiopaque restorations.

Current product scope · imaging and monitoring

Periodontics

Bone level and thickness around every root, gum thickness, inflammation before pockets form. Published: within 0.07 mm of CBCT; ~0.2 mm of probing.

Current product scope

Orthodontics and aligners

Monthly 3D progress at home; the bone around moving teeth, which photos cannot see. First consumer use case.

Current product scope

Pediatric dentistry

No radiation, no bib, no waiting room: a scan a child can do at home, repeated as often as needed.

Current product scope

Endodontics

Periapical lesions: ultrasound distinguished cysts from granulomas more accurately than radiographs in every study in a 2021 systematic review (histology reference).

Future research · requires eroded cortex

Implants

Peri-implant bone defects imaged with clinically acceptable accuracy; monitoring after placement without repeat CBCT.

Future research

Prosthodontics

Subgingival margins and 3D surfaces for crowns and dentures; 42 MHz intraoral scanners have produced 3D point clouds of prepared teeth in vitro.

Future research

Oral and maxillofacial surgery

Ultrasound vs CT for facial fractures: pooled sensitivity 0.94, specificity 0.96 across 22 studies; strongest for nasal bone and orbit.

Future research · in-office

TMJ

Condylar surface and effusion; studies compare ultrasound with radiographic and CBCT findings of osteoarthritic change.

Future research

Practice chairside sensors

Real-time intraoperative imaging support without X-rays, for implant placement and sinus lifts.

Future research · separate product

Items marked future research are not part of the current product or the Regulation Crowdfunding offering and would require their own FDA authorization. Published results come from research-grade systems, not S-WAVE™.

Beyond imaging

A platform that can add services over time

Saliva biomarkers

Sensors in the tray designed to read saliva biomarkers during a scan.

Teeth whitening

Acoustic energy intended to activate whitening agents under remote supervision.

Gum treatment

Focused ultrasound intended to support delivery of periodontal medicaments.

Early caries care

Ultrasound-assisted remineralization intended to arrest very early cavities.

All research stage. A therapeutic or diagnostic add-on would be a different regulatory product requiring clinical trials and its own FDA authorization; the Company has conducted no such trials.

Dental imaging without radiation, from home.

Questions about S-WAVE™, the research or a collaboration? Our team is here to help.