Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2010, Vol. 14 ›› Issue (26): 4827-4830.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-8225.2010.26.019

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Quantitative detection of early emanel artificial caries on the smooth surface using optical coherence tomography  

Li Yan-ni1, Wang Guan-hua1, Yao Hui1, Meng Zhuo2, Dai Xiao-hua1, Liang Yu2, Lian Xiao-li1, Wan Mu-sen2, Zhang Lin-pu1,
Shi Bo-ya2, Yao Xiao-tian2, Liu Tie-gen2   

  1. 1Research Center of Stomatological Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin   300041, China;
    2College of Precision Instrument and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin   300072, China
  • Online:2010-06-25 Published:2010-06-25
  • Contact: Yao Hui, Chief physician, Master’s supervisor, Research Center of Stomatological Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin 300041, China yaoh2k@163.com
  • About author:Li Yan-ni, Master, Physician, Research Center of Stomatological Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin Stomatological Hospital, Tianjin 300041, China shadeofsmile@ 126.com
  • Supported by:

    the General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30770597*;
    the Key Science and Technology Foundation of Tianjin Stomatological Hospital*

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging modality with high resolution. It can produce depth-resolved images of tooth utilizing near-infrared light and quantitatively examine the caries by detecting the backscatter signals.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the ability of imaging the early enamel caries on the smooth surface and the accuracy of quantifying the caries depths with OCT via the comparative study of OCT and polarized light microscope.
METHODS: The early enamel caries model on the smooth surface was prepared through a pH cycling model with calf (< 6 years old) lower incisor as sample, and detected by an all fiber-based OCT and polarized light microscope. The images and caries depths from both methods were compared using ANOVA and Pearson correlation.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: OCT could image the early enamel caries. The reflectivity within the demineralized subsurface enamel was markedly greater than the sound enamel in the OCT images. There were no differences in caries depths between OCT and polarized light microscope. OCT, which could accurately quantify the caries depths, may be used to evaluate the longitudinal progress of the early caries. There was no correlation between the lesion depth and demineralization time (P > 0.05). The altered depths between interior and exterior of the test region were calculated. The increased depths were correlated with the demineralization time (r = 0.954, P < 0.05). Results suggested the wide prospect of this nondestructive and high-resolution method on the research and clinical diagnosis of early caries.

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