Optical coherence tomography applications in dentistry

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the current knowledge on noninvasive investigations using optical coherence tomography (OCT) applied to in vivo and in vitro structural imaging within the oral cavity. OCT is a tomography imaging technology capable of producing high-resolution cross-sectional images of the internal architecture of materials and tissues (1 - 2 mm in depth). The reviewed studies include images of normal and abnormal dental hard tissue structures but also teeth after several treatment methods. These are performed in order to assess the material defects and microleakage at the tooth-filling interface, as well as to evaluate the quality of bracket bonding on dental hard tissue. OCT can also be used for evaluation of prosthetic restorations and microleakage at prosthetic interfaces, for imaging root canals and root dentin and the presence or absence of apical microleakage and to detect osteointegration of dental implants. This imaging method offers a greater sensitivity than current investigation methods. The present review was conducted using OCT News, Science Direct, Optics Express, PubMed, Cochrane, Interscience, and Springer libraries.