IADR Abstract Archives
A Multi-modality Detection and Volumetric Assessment of Dental Caries
Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to explore demineralization detection abilities and conduct a volumetric assessment of caries in extracted teeth using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), ultrasound and Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM), and x-rays imaging (micro CT).
Methods: Sound and carious extracted human molars were collected under ethical approval at the Eastman Dental Institute (N>12). Four groups were created using ICDAS score 2 to 4
(incl. control). All samples were scanned using micro CT and OCT for demineralization and cavitation volume estimations. Longitudinal (~200um thick) and transverse sections across the ranked lesions were prepared before being assessed histologically. SAM imaging was also carried on serial transverse sections. This enabled us to gradually image through the cavities to determine the boundaries between healthy and demineralised tissue. The obtained data was used to recreate and calculate the carious volume. The spherical data approximation method in a least squared sense was applied. The one-way ANNOVA was used to statistically assess the agreement between the determined volumes. The Bland-Altman plots were accustomed to graphically compare the measurement methods and the correlation coefficient between the cavities and volumes.
Results: Following comparative A-Scan analyses of the ranked ICDAS lesions, we identified unique SAM and OCT scattering markers which could be correlated to tooth histology. Following this, the methods for caries volumetric assessment based on the multi-modality imaging techniques have been examined. The calculated concordance coefficients between estimated volumes show a good correspondence. Finally, volumetric correlation between SAM & OCT scans and ICDAS were reviewed as a potential clinical diagnotics approach.
Conclusions: The optical and ultrasonic methods used in the study proved to be a possible alternative to ionizing radiation techniques used in current clinical settings. The further improvements in the experimental design will eliminate necessity of surface exposers so the OCT and ultrasound could be used as complementary technologies.
Methods: Sound and carious extracted human molars were collected under ethical approval at the Eastman Dental Institute (N>12). Four groups were created using ICDAS score 2 to 4
(incl. control). All samples were scanned using micro CT and OCT for demineralization and cavitation volume estimations. Longitudinal (~200um thick) and transverse sections across the ranked lesions were prepared before being assessed histologically. SAM imaging was also carried on serial transverse sections. This enabled us to gradually image through the cavities to determine the boundaries between healthy and demineralised tissue. The obtained data was used to recreate and calculate the carious volume. The spherical data approximation method in a least squared sense was applied. The one-way ANNOVA was used to statistically assess the agreement between the determined volumes. The Bland-Altman plots were accustomed to graphically compare the measurement methods and the correlation coefficient between the cavities and volumes.
Results: Following comparative A-Scan analyses of the ranked ICDAS lesions, we identified unique SAM and OCT scattering markers which could be correlated to tooth histology. Following this, the methods for caries volumetric assessment based on the multi-modality imaging techniques have been examined. The calculated concordance coefficients between estimated volumes show a good correspondence. Finally, volumetric correlation between SAM & OCT scans and ICDAS were reviewed as a potential clinical diagnotics approach.
Conclusions: The optical and ultrasonic methods used in the study proved to be a possible alternative to ionizing radiation techniques used in current clinical settings. The further improvements in the experimental design will eliminate necessity of surface exposers so the OCT and ultrasound could be used as complementary technologies.