Vitality assessment in human teeth by laser Doppler flowmetry

摘要

A laser Doppler blood flow instrument for pulp blood flow measurements, designed in response to clinical demands, is discussed. The instrument is designed in two separate units. One includes the power supply, the indicators and control facilities. In the second unit, the miniaturized optical electronics part is housed in a pistol-shaped case which can be held against the tooth during the measurements. The use of a diode laser and a specially designed fiber-optic system has improved the clinical applicability of the method.