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.