title: Non-invasive in vivo imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy of gingival tissues following natural plaque deposition.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Imaging with Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) generates high-resolution images and may be well suited for basic research in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry. The present study was aimed to explore the in vivo application of CLSM in experimentally induced gingivitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten subjects were recruited and were advised to stop any oral hygiene of the upper front teeth for 7 days. The gingival tissues were observed using a Heidelberg Retina Tomograph combined with a Rostock Cornea Module at baseline and day 7. The system used a laser of 670 nm and the contrast was given by backscattering from different tissues. Each examination created 800-1200 images that were descriptively analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 7 days of abandoned oral hygiene, plaque scores and bleeding frequencies increased. By using CLSM images tooth hard substances, cells and plaque deposits were distinguishable. Increased epithelial cell irregularities, the apical migration of the sulcular epithelium, cellular infiltrates within the sulcus and plaque deposits were observed at day 7.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The present study showed for the first time that CLSM is suitable for in vivo imaging of the gingival sulcus and adjacent tissues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomedical Materials Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eberhard
authors.forename: Hendrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Loewen
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Krüger
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Donner
authors.forename: Nico
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stumpp
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Patzlaff
authors.forename: Oliver
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Stachs
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reichard
authors.forename: Tammo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ripken
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Heisterkamp
authors.forename: Meike
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stiesch
mesh_terms: D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000473:pathology; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000473:pathology; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000473:pathology*; D004846:Epithelial Attachment / Q000473:pathology; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology*; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D007834:Lasers; D008297:Male; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal / Q000379:methods*; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D014054:Tomography / Q000379:methods
keywords: confocal laser scanning microscopy; gingivitis; in vivo imaging