Evaluation of caries-affected dentin with optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Dental research
• Biomaterials science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Dental caries is a demineralization process affecting dentin.
• Accurate measurement of demineralization is crucial for understanding caries progression.
• In vitro models are essential for controlled studies of caries development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the demineralization of human dentin using an in vitro microbiological method.
• To assess the efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in quantifying caries-affected dentin depth.
• To determine the minimum time required for inducing significant demineralization.

Main Methods:

• Human molar teeth were prepared to expose dentin surfaces.
• Caries lesions were induced using a Streptococcus mutans biofilm model over 7, 14, and 21 days.
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) with a 930 nm super-luminescent diode was used for demineralization depth analysis.

Main Results:

• Mean demineralization depths were 235 ± 31.4 µm (7 days), 279 ± 14 µm (14 days), and 271 ± 8.3 µm (21 days).
• No significant increase in lesion depth was observed beyond 7 days.
• OCT provided efficient and non-invasive quantitative and qualitative data on demineralization.

Conclusions:

• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an effective tool for measuring demineralization depth in dentin.
• A 7-day cariogenic challenge is sufficient to create caries-affected dentin in vitro.
• This in vitro model provides a reliable method for studying early caries lesions.