Development of fibre-optic confocal microscopy for detection and diagnosis of dental caries.
We report on the development of a fibre-optics-based confocal imaging system for the detection and potential diagnosis of early dental caries. A novel optical instrument, capable of recording axial profiles through caries lesions using single-mode optical fibres, has been developed. The practical study illustrates that miniature confocal devices based around single-mode optical fibres may provide additional diagnostic information for the general dental practitioner.
Rousseau
C
C
Institute of Photonics, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK.
Poland
S
S
Girkin
J M
JM
Hall
A F
AF
Whitters
C J
CJ
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D007090:Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009811:Odontometry / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D013499:Surface Properties; D017001:Tooth Demineralization / Q000139:chemically induced