Nondestructive observation of teeth post core space using optical coherence tomography: a pilot study

Coronal tooth lesions, such as caries, enamel cracking, and composite resin restoration cavities, have been observed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). This pilot study was performed to verify whether OCT could reveal details of root canals filled with resin core build-up. A dual-cure, one-step, self-etch adhesive system-bonding agent (Clearfil Bond SE ONE, Kuraray Noritake Dental) and dual-cure resin composite core material (Clearfil DC Core Automix ONE, Kuraray Noritake Dental) were used according to the manufacturer's instructions in root canals. OCT was performed at three stages of the core build-up: after the post space preparation, after bonding application, and after resin core fabrication. The cementum was removed in the cementum absent group and the root was left untreated in the cementum present group. Bubbles were observed in the resin cores and gaps formed between the resin core and dentin. In the cementum absent group, the internal structure of the root could be visualized clearly compared with the cementum present group. The root internal structure could be observed by OCT and the image became clearer when cementum was removed.