The Use of Optical Coherence Tomography as a Diagnostic Tool for Dental Caries

Objectives: Dental caries is a global problem affecting 60-90% of the population. Severity can vary, from early demineralisation, which preventive measures can improve, to cavitation, leading to further complications. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging in dentistry as a routine and adjunct clinical diagnostic tool for dental caries by developing a standardised marker for each ICDAS score.
Methods: Extracted human primary and permanent teeth (N>180) with varying caries severity were collected under ethical approval. Photographic and radiographic images of tooth samples was taken, and categorised according to the ICDAS system. Samples were then imaged using OCT (VivoSight OCT Scanner) with each lesion was scanned separately (N>200). The scattering intensity profiles were plotted.
Results: Different scattering intensity profiles for each ICDAS score were observed, and empirical markers were developed for each defect. This led us to establish scattering fingerprints for each type of ICDAS lesion.

Conclusions: In conclusion, OCT shows significant potential to be a safe and useful diagnostic method when diagnosing caries lesions. The definition of specific scattering markers for each type of caries lesions will enable us to bring this technique one-step closer to the clinic.