3D Dental Subsurface Imaging Using Enhanced Truncated Correlation-Photothermal Coherence Tomography

Abstract

Development of accurate and sensitive dental imaging technologies is a top priority in the pursuit of high-quality dental care. However, while early dental caries detection and routine monitoring of treatment progress are crucial for effective long-term results, current radiographic technologies fall short of this objective due to low sensitivity for small lesions and use of ionizing radiation which is unsuitable for frequent monitoring. Here we demonstrate the first application of enhanced Truncated Correlation-Photothermal Coherence Tomography (eTC-PCT) to dental imaging. eTC-PCT is non-invasive and non-ionizing, operates well below the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) limit, and features 3D subsurface imaging capability with operator controlled axial resolution. We explore the potential of this method for dental applications and demonstrate its capability for depth-resolved tomographic 3D reconstructions of the details and subsurface extent of a variety of dental defects. To this end, in this proof-of-concept study, dental eTC-PCT imaging results, and its sensitivity to dental caries, are discussed in comparison with visual examination, x-rays and micro-CT imaging.

Detection and monitoring of early dental caries and erosion using three-dimensional enhanced truncated-correlation photothermal coherence tomography imaging

“…with our previous images of natural dental defects, 13 healthy enamel features a low amplitude signal and highly noised phase data due to the low photon absorption. For very early demineralization phases (up to 4 days), the higher contrast of the amplitude channel between intact and early carious regions makes it more useful than the considerably noisier phase channel.…”

“…Building on the high sensitivity of 808-nm excitation TPLI to the demineralization process of dental caries, we recently introduced the enhanced truncated-correlation photothermal coherence tomography (eTC-PCT) thermophotonics-based imaging technology, a depth-resolved 3D dental imaging modality. 13 eTC-PCT has been applied to the imaging of naturally occurring, coarse dental defects, which demonstrated the capability of the technique to perform non-invasive 3D imaging of teeth. 13 The eTC-PCT modality is MPE compatible and features a highly optimized algorithm for 3D reconstruction.…”

“…13 eTC-PCT has been applied to the imaging of naturally occurring, coarse dental defects, which demonstrated the capability of the technique to perform non-invasive 3D imaging of teeth. 13 The eTC-PCT modality is MPE compatible and features a highly optimized algorithm for 3D reconstruction. Additionally, the capabilities of this technology for biomedical applications have also been successfully applied to early tumor imaging in small animals.…”

Protocol for a Case Control Study to Evaluate Oral Health as a Biomarker of Child Exposure to Adverse Psychosocial Experiences

“…It is also a dynamic thermography imaging technique that is very sensitive in contrast, which aids in early diagnosis of oral health problems. This emerging technology is expected to be available for in-clinic use during later stages of its development [ 72 , 73 ].…”

“…Microcomputed Tomography: μCT is the gold standard for the diagnosis of dental caries and enamel anomalies, and is the only and standard way to differentiate between dental anomalies and caries by showing the depth of the lesion [ 73 , 74 ]. μCT provides high-resolution images of the internal structure of a tooth that can be visualized by producing 3D reconstructions of the outer to innermost structure of the tooth and surrounding structures [ 73 ]. The images represent spatial distribution maps of linear attenuation coefficients determined by the X-ray source and the atomic composition of the material sample.…”