TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF DEMINERALISATION OF ENAMEL ON DEPTH OF LIGHT PENETRATION USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

Nauman Bari Khan; Simon Rawlinson; Pete Tomlins; Paul Anderson

Nauman Bari Khan BDS, MSc, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral Biology, Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Simon Rawlinson PhD, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London, Queen Mary, University of London.
Pete Tomlins PhD, Senior Lecturer, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London, Queen Mary, University of London.
Paul Anderson PhD, Professor, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and The London, Queen Mary, University of London.

Keywords: Optical Coherence Tomography, Demineralisation, Early Caries Detection

Abstract

The aim of this research was to study the application of Optical coherence tomography (OCT) which could provide the early, chair-side detection of caries and therefore initiate the prompt treatment strategies required.

Six extracted teeth were selected with no visible carious lesion. All teeth were scanned using X-ray Microtomography (XMT). Short term demineralization was performed in acetic acid (pH) to determine whether Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) could differentiate between light penetration in mineralized and non-mineralized enamel. Scattering Attenuation Microscopy (SAM) software was used to analyze the depth of penetration.

OCT was helpful in detecting demineralised areas in enamel. Average depth before demineralisation = 10.65±1.55 μm, After demineralisation: 23.29±3.65 μm, p=0.03 Student’s paired t-test.

OCT can detect carious lesions that are invisible to the eye, assess mineral density of enamel. Development of the technique to allow chairside diagnosis will permit early intervention to maintain oral and preserve whole body health.

TO STUDY THE EFFECT OF DEMINERALISATION OF ENAMEL ON DEPTH OF LIGHT PENETRATION USING OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY

Abstract

Published Quarterly

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