Fracture process characterization of fiber-reinforced dental composites evaluated by optical coherence tomography, SEM and optical microscopy

Abstract

This study used optical coherence tomography (OCT) compared to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) to evaluate qualitatively crack propagation and final fracture in restorative composite materials -Filtek Z250 and Filtek Z350 (3M ESPE) -with fiber reinforcement after cyclic loading. Samples were made using a split mold. Initially, 3-point bending tests were performed to determine the maximum force and tension at the fracture moment using samples without fiber reinforcement. Then, mechanical cycling tests were performed using samples with glass fiber embedded internally. The failures were analyzed using the 3 methods described before. OCT permitted good characterization of internal crack propagation of the dental composites, which, however, could not be visualized by either SEM or OM. OCT was proven to be laboratory research tool that is easy to use, does not require any specific preparation of the samples, and is less expensive than SEM.

Evaluation of adaptation of ceramic inlays using optical coherence tomography and replica technique

“…In addition, OCT was reported to have better visualization than SEM and optical microscopy. 31 In our study, OCT showed lower adaptation values than the replica technique, with both values being within clinically acceptable limits. This could be related to the different flowing characteristics of the measured surfaces: light-body silicone for replica technique and luting cement for OCT.…”

“…31,32,35 According to these reports, OCT provided similar results compared with other techniques. In addition, OCT was reported to have better visualization than SEM and optical microscopy.…”

Optical Coherence Tomography as an Auxiliary Tool for the Screening of Radiation-Related Caries

“…To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study conducted with OCT technique to characterize RRC. OCT technology has given valuable information of clinical use of dental materials, 16,17 being also capable of evaluating carious teeth. The alterations in the CEJ and DEJ identified by OCT analysis seem to be the first described.…”

Non‐Invasive Periodontal Probing Through Fourier‐Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

“…20 Some studies analyzed periodontal structures, suggesting the possibility of applying OCT to periodontal diagnostics, [21][22][23][24] but evidence is not yet sufficient, especially related to the gingival sulcus, which is an important parameter of periodontal health and disease. Furthermore, OCT has been applied to evaluate dental materials, [25][26][27][28] with the advantages of being a non-destructive imaging technology and rendering three-dimensional (3D) images in real-time acquisition mode.…”