title: Noninvasive Quantitative Evaluation of the Dentin Layer during Dental Procedures Using Optical Coherence Tomography.
abstract: A routine cavity preparation of a tooth may lead to opening the pulp chamber. The present study evaluates quantitatively, in real time, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the drilled cavities during dental procedures. An established noninvasive imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), is used. The main scope is to prevent accidental openings of the dental pulp chamber. Six teeth with dental cavities have been used in this ex vivo study. The real time assessment of the distances between the bottom of the drilled cavities and the top of the pulp chamber was performed using an own assembled OCT system. The evaluation of the remaining dentin thickness (RDT) allowed for the positioning of the drilling tools in the cavities in relation to the pulp horns. Estimations of the safe and of the critical RDT were made; for the latter, the opening of the pulp chamber becomes unavoidable. Also, by following the fractures that can occur when the extent of the decay is too large, the dentist can decide upon the right therapy to follow, endodontic or conventional filling. The study demonstrates the usefulness of OCT imaging in guiding such evaluations during dental procedures.
authors.affiliation: School of Dental Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Place, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
authors.forename: Cosmin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sinescu
authors.affiliation: School of Dental Medicine, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timisoara, 2 Eftimie Murgu Place, 300041 Timisoara, Romania.
authors.forename: Meda Lavinia
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Negrutiu
authors.affiliation: Applied Optics Group, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK.
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bradu
authors.affiliation: 3OM Optomechatronics Group, "Aurel Vlaicu" University of Arad, 77 Revolutiei Avenue, 310130 Arad, Romania ; Doctoral School, Polytechnics University of Timisoara, 1 Mihai Viteazu Avenue, 300222 Timisoara, Romania ; Faculty of Physics, West University of Timisoara, 4 Vasile Parvan, 300223 Timisoara, Romania.
authors.forename: Virgil-Florin
authors.initials: VF
authors.lastname: Duma
authors.affiliation: Applied Optics Group, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK.
authors.forename: Adrian Gh
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Podoleanu
mesh_terms: D019295:Computational Biology; D003199:Computer Systems; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003782:Dental Pulp / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D003804:Dentin / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D003765:Models, Dental; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data