Imaging of the Oral Cavity Using Optical Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography is a new method for noninvasively imaging internal tooth and soft tissue microstructure. The intensity of backscattered light is measured as a function of depth in the tissue. Low coherence interferometry is used to selectively remove the component of backscattered signal that has undergone multiple scattering events, resulting in very high resolution images (< 15 microns). Lateral scanning of the probe beam across the biological tissue is then used to generate a 2-D intensity plot, similar to ultrasound images. This imaging method provides information that is currently unobtainable by any other means, making possible such diverse applications as diagnosis of periodontal disease, caries detection, and evaluation of restoration integrity. This chapter presents an overview of this exciting new imaging technique and its current application to dental diagnosis.

Long-wavelength optical coherence tomography at 17 μm for enhanced imaging depth

“…8(c) and 8(d). The depth profiles show a clear demarcation of two layers with distinctly different attenuation slopes within the enamel, indicating pre and post-natal enamel formation [27]. The scattering coefficients calculated from the depth profiles are 0.8 mm −1 and 0.3 mm −1 in the pre-natal enamel layer and 0.7 mm −1 and 0.8 mm −1 in the post-natal enamel layer, at λ = 1.3 µm and 1.7 µm, respectively.…”

In vivo optical coherence tomography for the diagnosis of oral malignancy

“…While some research has been reported in ophthalmologic, dermatologic, GI, gynecological, cardiac, and other OCT applications [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29], there is limited information on intra-oral OCT, mainly on the topics of periodontal disease and hard tissue pathology, up to this time [30][31][32][33].…”

Oral premalignancy: New methods of detection and treatment

“…OCT is being evaluated for use in imaging oral tissue [52,53]. Using a hamster cheek-pouch mode of oral carcinogenesis, Wilder-Smith et al [53] demonstrated differences between normal and dysplastic epithelium using OCT.…”