IADR Abstract Archives
3D Diagnosis of Proximal Caries Using Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography
Objectives: Diagnosis of proximal caries of posterior teeth is challenging due to the restricted access for visual examination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 3D swept-source optical coherence tomography (3D SS-OCT) for the detection of proximal caries and to compare the detection accuracy of the digital dental X-ray.
Methods:
36 human molar teeth with and without proximal caries were mounted in silicone blocks with the proximal surfaces in contact and at the same vertical level to simulate the normal anatomic position. Digital dental X-rays of proximal surfaces were captured with the X-ray tube placed over the buccal side of the teeth. After taking digital X-rays, SS-OCT (Yoshida Dental OCT, Yoshida Dental) scanning was projected onto the occlusal surfaces across the proximal contacts to construct 3D images. Presence and extent of caries were evaluated by 12 examiners and scored from 51 surfaces totally using 4-rank depth scale; 0: Sound tooth surface. 1: Enamel demineralization without cavitation. 2: Cavitated enamel caries. 3: Dentin caries. The validation method for diagnosis was determined by direct observation of sectioned proximal surfaces stained using caries detecting dye. The sensitivity, specificity and Az value of ROC analysis for 3D SS-OCT and digital dental X-ray were calculated and statistically analyzed at significance level of p = 0.05.
Results: 3D SS-OCT could clearly visualize the proximal caries synthesized based on the backscattering signal. 3D SS-OCT showed significantly higher sensitivity and Az value than digital dental X-ray for all diagnostic thresholds (p < 0.05). 3D SS-OCT also showed higher specificity for the detection of enamel demineralization (p < 0.05). No significant difference of specificity was found between 3D SS-OCT and digital dental X-ray for detection of cavitated enamel caries and dental caries (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Within the limitation of this in vitro study, 3D SS-OCT could visualize the proximal caries and estimate the lesion depth up to the dentin caries superior over the digital dental X-ray.
Methods:
36 human molar teeth with and without proximal caries were mounted in silicone blocks with the proximal surfaces in contact and at the same vertical level to simulate the normal anatomic position. Digital dental X-rays of proximal surfaces were captured with the X-ray tube placed over the buccal side of the teeth. After taking digital X-rays, SS-OCT (Yoshida Dental OCT, Yoshida Dental) scanning was projected onto the occlusal surfaces across the proximal contacts to construct 3D images. Presence and extent of caries were evaluated by 12 examiners and scored from 51 surfaces totally using 4-rank depth scale; 0: Sound tooth surface. 1: Enamel demineralization without cavitation. 2: Cavitated enamel caries. 3: Dentin caries. The validation method for diagnosis was determined by direct observation of sectioned proximal surfaces stained using caries detecting dye. The sensitivity, specificity and Az value of ROC analysis for 3D SS-OCT and digital dental X-ray were calculated and statistically analyzed at significance level of p = 0.05.
Results: 3D SS-OCT could clearly visualize the proximal caries synthesized based on the backscattering signal. 3D SS-OCT showed significantly higher sensitivity and Az value than digital dental X-ray for all diagnostic thresholds (p < 0.05). 3D SS-OCT also showed higher specificity for the detection of enamel demineralization (p < 0.05). No significant difference of specificity was found between 3D SS-OCT and digital dental X-ray for detection of cavitated enamel caries and dental caries (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Within the limitation of this in vitro study, 3D SS-OCT could visualize the proximal caries and estimate the lesion depth up to the dentin caries superior over the digital dental X-ray.