title: [Use of laser Doppler flowmetry in dentistry].
abstract: An early determination of pulpal vitality is crucial with respect to a correct differential diagnosis of revascularisation or necrosis and its treatment. The use of sensibility tests (cold, heat, electrical pulp test) in combination with X-ray are commonly promoted. However these tests are arbitrary, based on sensations and therefore not always reliable. In such situation the registration of 'real' pulpal blood flow and hence pulp vitality will be more than an added value. The most studied and well documented method is laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) as it is non invasive, direct and objective. In this article we describe blood flow, LDF and its characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of this method and the newest developments regarding LDF. Despite a low implementation of LDF in Belgium, this technique proved to belong indisputable to the basic assets of a dental clinic. A number of cases are described to demonstrate the efficacy and added value of LDF in assessing tooth vitality.
authors.affiliation: Service de Dentisterie Opératoire et d'Endodontie, Département de Médecine Dentaire, Clinique de Médecine Dentaire, Stomatologie et Chirurgie maxillo-faciale, UZ Gent - De Pintelaan 185/P8, 8-9000 Gand. Herman.Roeykens@ugent.be
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Roeykens
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nammour
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Moor
mesh_terms: D000848:Anodontia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001530:Belgium; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000637:transplantation; D002648:Child; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000098:blood supply*; D003790:Dental Pulp Necrosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003791:Dental Pulp Test / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017078:Laser-Doppler Flowmetry / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008964:Molar, Third / Q000637:transplantation; D014084:Tooth Avulsion / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult