Abstract: A method of acquiring and processing images of an article, such as a tooth in the mouth, for example, the apparatus comprising an ultraviolet light source for illuminating the article, a matrix-type video camera for taking video images of the article illuminated in ambient light and in ultraviolet light, and control and data processor means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring and processing images of a tooth, comprising means for exciting a zone (12) of a tooth by monochromatic ultraviolet light pulses in alternation with visible light pulses, video means (32, 34, 36, 38) for taking fluorescence images emitted by the tooth in two respective high and low energy wavelength bands of the emission spectrum, and data processor means (40) for taking the ratio of the fluorescence spectrum intensities in said two wavelength bands and for deducing therefrom the presence or the absence of caries in the zone (12) under examination of the tooth.