Imaging Resin Infiltration into Non-Cavitated Carious Lesions by Optical Coherence Tomography
Abstract
Objectives
Visualisation
of the etching process and resin penetration at white spot carious
lesions by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).
Materials and methods
The
non-cavitated carious lesions (ICDAS code 2) of four visually
preselected extracted human molars and premolars were verified as enamel
lesions by micro computed tomography (μCT). One region of interest
(ROI) per tooth was marked by two drill-holes in occlusal-cervical
direction. The lesions were imaged by SD-OCT. Lesions were infiltrated
(Icon, DMG) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. During each
treatment step and after light curing of the infiltrant, the ROIs were
imaged again by SD-OCT. Teeth were sectioned through the ROIs and
section layers were imaged by scanning electron microscopy in order to
compare with the OCT images. The image sequences for etching and
infiltration were viewed in time lapse.
Results
During
the etching process, numerous bubbles formed on the lesion surface.
Using OCT, the process of resin penetration into the carious lesion body
became visible. The early enamel carious lesion was completely
infiltrated by the resin whereas infiltration of the advanced enamel
carious lesion was incomplete and inhomogeneous.
Conclusion
Resin
infiltration can be increased by optimizing the etching process.
Optical coherence tomography provides information about the process and
degree of resin infiltration.
Clinical significance
Active acid application before resin infiltration is recommendable.
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