Endodontic fillings evaluated using en face OCT, microCT and SEM.

Objectives: The goal of endodontic therapy is mechanically cleaning and shaping the root canal system, the removal of organic and inorganic debris followed by sealing with permanent filling materials.

Materials And Methods: Therefore, the aim of this in vitro study was to engage three imagistic methods: (i) en face (ef) time domain (TD) optical coherence tomography (OCT), (ii) micro-computed tomography (μCT), and (iii) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in terms of their efficiency in assessing the quality of endodontic fillings. So far, is settled that efOCT images can identify defects∕voids in several of the investigated root canal fillings and identify gaps of 50 μm.

Optical Properties and Color Stability of Dental PEEK Related to Artificial Ageing and Staining.

Considering that the processes of PEEK discoloration caused by either intrinsic or extrinsic factors require elucidation, the aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of the combined action of ageing and immersing solutions on the optical properties and color stability of PEEK material, related to surface processing (polishing or glazing). (2) Methods: This study aims to determine the influence of different ageing and staining protocols on optical properties, color changes, and surface roughness of a reinforced PEEK material (bioHPP, Bredent, Senden, Germany). For ageing, specimens were submitted to 5000 cycles in a 55 °C bath and a 5 °C bath filled with distilled water.

Design and testing of prototype handheld scanning probes for optical coherence tomography.

Three simple and low-cost configurations of handheld scanning probes for optical coherence tomography have been developed. Their design and testing for dentistry applications are presented. The first two configurations were built exclusively from available off-the-shelf optomechanical components, which, to the best of our knowledge, are the first designs of this type.

Quantitative evaluation of dental abfraction and attrition using a swept-source optical coherence tomography system.

A fast swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) system is employed to acquire volumes of dental tissue, in order to monitor the temporal evolution of dental wear. An imaging method is developed to evaluate the volume of tissue lost in ex vivo artificially induced abfractions and attritions. The minimal volume (measured in air) that our system could measure is 2352 μm3.