Measurement of the remaining dentin thickness using optical coherence tomography for crown preparation

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the maximum depth imaging and optical properties of the dentin near the pulp by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to explore the possibility of measuring the remaining dentin thickness (RDT). Human third molars were used. In experiment 1, the cuspal dentin blocks (0.50-mm to 1.75-mm thickness) were prepared. Each specimen was scanned using OCT. OCT images could be obtained for all specimens with 1.00-mm or less thicknesses. In experiment 2, dentin-pulp complex slices (0.50-mm and 1.00-mm RDT) were prepared. Each specimen was scanned using OCT and micro-computed tomography, and compared. The resulting length change rates of OCT images for the 0.50-mm RDTs were significantly lower than those of the 1.00-mm RDTs. Within the limitations of this study, OCT was effective for measuring the 1.00-mm or less RDT and preventing pulpal injury, while considering the length change rate of OCT image as a variable.

Dental Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Cariology

“…The remaining dentin thickness and pulp geometry, e.g., pulp horns, can be visualized in vitro during dental procedures using optical coherence tomography [56][57][58][59]. We found that the roof of the pulp chamber could be displayed using SD-OCT at a mean distance through dentin of 850 μm, whereas the minimum remaining dentin thickness which could be imaged was 45 μm (Figure 15), and is in accordance with Fonseca et al [57].…”

Validation of Optical Coherence Tomography against Micro–computed Tomography for Evaluation of Remaining Coronal Dentin Thickness

“…On the other hand, although previous literature has hinted at the potential application of OCT for RDT assessment (21,22), this approach needs to be validated against a standard technique for the measurement of RDT during removal of deep natural caries.…”

Observation of the pulp horn by swept source optical coherence tomography and cone beam computed tomography

“…SL was defined as the gold standard in this study, because section images were obtained non-destructively. Previous studies have reported the maximum dentin thickness penetrable by SS-OCT laser as <1.69 mm [5][6][7]9 . Other studies have reported the depth range of SS-OCT imaging in dental hard tissues as approximately 2.0 mm 10 .…”

“…As noted above, radiographic procedures possess some limitations. A few studies suggested that SS-OCT might detect the pulp dentin complex 5,6 . It has been reported that, using CT as a gold standard, spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), a type of OCT often employed in ophthalmology, successfully detected the pulp dentin complex 7 .…”