Detection of enamel subsurface lesions by swept-source optical coherence tomography

• Published in: Dental Materials Journal Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. 303 - 310
• Main Authors: SUZUKI, Sumiyo, KATAOKA, Yu, KANEHIRA, Masafumi, KOBAYASHI, Mikihiro, MIYAZAKI, Takashi, MANABE, Atsufumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Japanese Society for Dental Materials and Devices 28.03.2019; Japanese Society for Dental Materials and Devices; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Brightness; Demineralization; Demineralizing; Dental caries; Dental enamel; Dentistry; Diagnostic imaging; Electron probe; Electron probes; Enamel; Image detection; Lactic acid; Lasers; Lesions; Microradiography; Optical Coherence Tomography; Raman spectroscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Structural analysis; Teeth; Tomography; Tooth demineralization; Dental caries; Diagnostic imaging; Dental enamel; Tooth demineralization; Lasers
• ISSN: 0287-4547; 1881-1361
• DOI: 10.4012/dmj.2017-404

This study aimed to non-destructively analyze the progression of subsurface enamel caries using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), a recently developed imaging analysis modality. Artificial enamel caries at various stages of demineralization were created in bovine tooth enamel using a modified lactic acid gel system. Untreated enamel served as a control. OCT images from cross-sections of enamel were collected. Mineral density, distribution, and histological changes were analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer, scanning electron microscopy, and contact microradiography. The Raman spectrum and X-ray structural analysis of the enamel surfaces were determined. SS-OCT detected significant differences in mineral loss among the samples. A high-brightness image was confirmed, along with changes in the respective brightness graphs proportionate to the degree of demineralization. SS-OCT can potentially be used to evaluate the progression of incipient enamel carious lesions.