Precision of Raman depolarization and optical attenuation measurements of sound tooth enamel.
The demineralization of enamel that is associated with early caries formation affects the optical properties of the enamel. Polarized Raman spectroscopy and optical coherence tomography have been used to detect these changes and potentially offer a means to detect and monitor early caries development. The total optical attenuation coefficient as measured by optical coherence tomography and the polarization anisotropy of the Raman peak arising from the symmetric nu(1) vibration of PO4(3-) at approximately 959 cm(-1) have been demonstrated as being sensitive markers of early caries. This ex vivo study on extracted human teeth demonstrates that these measurements can be made with reasonable precision with concomitantly good repeatability and reproducibility in sound enamel. Such reliability is crucial for these techniques to have a practical clinical value.
Sowa
Michael G
MG
Institute for Biodiagnostics, National Research Council Canada, 435 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 1Y6, Canada.
Popescu
Dan P
DP
Werner
Jeffrey
J
Hewko
Mark
M
Ko
Alex C-T
AC
Payette
Jeri
J
Dong
Cecilia C S
CC
Cleghorn
Blaine
B
Choo-Smith
Lin-P'ing
LP
D001641:Bicuspid / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008027:Light; D008954:Models, Biological; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*