Imaging of the oral cavity using optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography is a new method for noninvasively imaging inte rnal tooth and soft tissue microstructure. The intensity of backscattered l ight is measured as a function of depth in the tissue. Low coherence interf erometry is used to selectively remove the component of backscattered signa l that has undergone multiple scattering events, resulting in very high res olution images (< 15 mum). Lateral scanning of the probe beam across the bi ological tissue is then used to generate a 2-D intensity plot, similar to u ltrasound images. This imaging method provides information that is currentl y unobtainable by any other means, making possible such diverse application s as diagnosis of periodontal disease, caries detection, and evaluation of restoration integrity. This chapter presents an overview of this exciting n ew imaging technique and its current application to dental diagnosis. Copyr ight (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.