Optical coherence tomography: A new imaging technology for dentistry

Background. Optical coherence tomography, or OCT, is a new diagnostic imagi ng technique that has many potential dental applications. The authors prese nt the first intraoral dental images made using this technology. Methods. The authors constructed a prototype dental OCT system. This system creates cross-sectional images by quantifying the reflections of infrared light from dental structures interferometrically. Results. We used our prototype system to make dental OTC images of healthy adults in a clinical setting. These OCT images depicted both hard and soft oral tissues at high resolution. Conclusions. OCT images exhibit microstructural detail that cannot be obtai ned with current imaging modalities. Using this new technology, visual reco rdings of periodontal tissue contour, sucular depth and connective tissue a ttachment now are possible. The internal aspects and marginal adaptation of porcelain and composite restorations can be visualized. Clinical Implications. There are several advantages of OCT compared with co nventional dental imaging. This new imaging technology is safe, versatile, inexpensive and readily adapted to a clinical dental environment.