Noninvasive cross‐sectional imaging of proximal caries using swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) in vivo

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of swept-source optical coherent tomography (SS-OCT) in detecting and estimating the depth of proximal caries in posterior teeth in vivo. SS-OCT images and bitewing radiographs were obtained from 86 proximal surfaces of 53 patients. Six examiners scored the locations according to a caries lesion depth scale (0-4) using SS-OCT and the radiographs. The results were compared with clinical observations obtained after the treatment. SS-OCT could detect the presence of proximal caries in tomograms that were synthesized based on the backscatter signal obtained from the proximal carious lesion through occlusal enamel. SS-OCT showed significantly higher sensitivity and larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve than radiographs for the detection of cavitated enamel lesions and dentin caries (Student's t -test, p < 0.05). SS-OCT appears to be a more reliable and accurate method than bitewing radiographs for the detection and estimation of the depth of proximal lesions in the clinical environment.

Dental Applications of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) in Cariology

“…In vitro studies showed an adequate to strong agreement, when SS-or SD-OCT were compared to histology [29,42,43], confocal microscopy, X-ray microtomography, or transverse microradiography and a diagnostic superiority compared to bitewing radiography [44] (Figures 1, 2, 5-11 and 14). In vitro studies showed an adequate to strong agreement, when SS-or SD-OCT were compared to histology [29,42,43], confocal microscopy, X-ray microtomography, or transverse microradiography and a diagnostic superiority compared to bitewing radiography [44] (Figures 1, 2 and 5-11 and 14). Image contrast and the spatial separation of the lesion body versus sound enamel can be further enhanced using polarization-sensitive OCT [45].…”

Optical coherence tomography for evaluation of enamel and protective coatings

“…It is a promising imaging modality, which does not require cutting and processing of the specimens and allows the visualization of microstructures of tissues and biomaterials in real time 24) . Recently, clinical OCT systems equipped with hand-held probes and suitable for intra-oral imaging have been launched by some manufacturers on a trial basis and showed a potential as a detecting tool for occlusal, interproximal and secondary caries, demineralization around orthodontic brackets as well as evaluation of dental materials defects [25][26][27][28] . The introduction of faster spectral domain systems 25) and incorporation of micro mechanical electrical systems into the probe designs 26) have facilitated three-dimensional imaging and adoption of OCT in clinical dentistry 29) .…”

“…Recently, clinical OCT systems equipped with hand-held probes and suitable for intra-oral imaging have been launched by some manufacturers on a trial basis and showed a potential as a detecting tool for occlusal, interproximal and secondary caries, demineralization around orthodontic brackets as well as evaluation of dental materials defects [25][26][27][28] . The introduction of faster spectral domain systems 25) and incorporation of micro mechanical electrical systems into the probe designs 26) have facilitated three-dimensional imaging and adoption of OCT in clinical dentistry 29) . Previous studies showed that OCT imaging of sealants enabled clear detection of voids and failures in the adaptation of materials 30,31) .…”

“…The lateral resolution (spot size) of 20 µm is determined by the objective lens at the hand-held probe designed for intra-oral imaging. Detailed information of this device was previously reported 25) .…”

Observation of white spot lesions using swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT): <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> study

“…On the other hand, clinical OCT systems are under development based on the conventional SS-OCT technology. Shimada et al 16) demonstrated the diagnostic accuracy of SS-OCT in detecting and estimating the depth of proximal caries in posterior teeth in vivo. In their study, SS-OCT images and bitewing radiographs were evaluated by six dentists and results were compared with clinical observation obtained after the clinical treatment.…”