Real-time in vivo imaging of dental tissue by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT)

摘要

In this paper we demonstrate real-time in vivo and in vitro OCT images of human dental tissue obtained in a clinical setting. For the first time we have used a compact, commercial prototype OCT system with a surgical microscope as a beam delivery system for investigations of dental tissue. We have imaged demineralised tissue, caries lesions and restored teeth and demonstrate the detection of changes in tissue microstructure. We discuss the details of this system and its potential and limitations with respect to dental applications.