Optical coherence tomography diagnostic imaging

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive and nondestructive method for imaging the microstructural detail of oral tissue in situ, providing clinicians with quantitative and qualitative information. It is capable of evaluating the health of hard and soft tissue by providing a cross-sectional "optical biopsy" of tissue up to 3 mm in depth from the surface. The resultant imaging has an axial resolution of 1-10 micro, capturing structural details not possible with x-rays (and without the use of ionizing radiation). OCT imaging has the potential to detect and diagnose very early stages of disease in teeth, periodontal tissue, and mucosa. Early demineralization, remineralization, recurrent caries, tooth and restorative failures, root canals, periodontal disease, soft tissue dysplasias, and precancerous lesions can be imaged and monitored in real time on a computer monitor.