The possibility of detecting subgingival calculus by laser-fluorescence in vitro

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate laser-fluorescence effects on the root surface. The possibility of detecting subgingival calculus should be evaluated to control complete calculus removal after scaling and root planing. Twenty freshly extracted human teeth, partially covered with calculus on the root surface, were fixed on a translation stage. The specimens were irradiated by light from a laser source (diode laser, <1 mW) with a wavelength of 655 nm using the Diagnodent trade mark -system. To simulate the conditions in a periodontal pocket during the measurement procedure, the teeth were covered by a layer of physiological saline solution or blood in order to determine the influence of different inflammatory fluids. The root surface was scanned on a line of about 1 cm in steps of 0.5 mm. The start and end was marked by a notch. The results of the laser-fluorescence detection were compared to clinical and histological findings. Clinically apparent calculus on the root surface was always accompanied with a statistically significant increase of laser-fluorescence values ( p < 0.05). These values were not influenced by the different fluids ( p < 0.05). The laser-fluorescence values were reproducible ( p > 0.05). After scaling, when no debris remained at the root surface, laser-fluorescence values decreased significantly ( p < 0.05). The histological findings supported the clinical results. In conclusion, the present study indicates that laser-fluorescence values on the root surface are strongly correlated to the presence of calculus. This fluorescence effect can basically be used to develop a new detecting system for subgingival calculus in periodontal pockets.

Dental calculus detection using the VistaCam

“…The challenge with the VistaCam device in its current optical configuration is that it is not designed for use in the periodontal pocket environment, but if suitable changes were made in this direction, the results from this study show promise for its eventual use for guiding clinicians in the detection of subgingival calculus. The overall approach then would be similar to using laser fluorescence to inform the decision around stopping or continuing subgingival calculus debridement (Folwaczny, Heym, Mehl, & Hickel, 2002; Krause, Braun, & Frentzen, 2003; Folwaczny, Heym, Mehl, & Hickel, 2004; Shakibaie & Walsh, 2012). …”

Surface area and volume determination of subgingival calculus using laser fluorescence

“…To assist dental practitioners in detecting deposits of subgingival calculus, a number of novel methods have been developed, including visible red light (655 nm)-induced fluorescence (LF) [5,6]. This approach has been used in three systems from the one manufacturer (Kavo, Biberach, Germany) -the "classic" DIAGNOdent, the DIAGNOdent pen, and the KEY3 laser.…”

Lasers in Periodontics: Review of Literature

“…However, this objective is difficult to accomplish because the clinician has to rely on tactile feeling to judge the morphology and roughness of the root surface using conventional, manual methods such as a periodontal probe. conditions (67,68). Increased values of laser fluorescence seem to be strongly related to the presence of calculus and those values seem to decrease after scaling.…”