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Laser light passage through restored and carious posterior teeth
N P Chandler1, T R Pitt Ford, B D Monteith
1The Sir John Walsh Research Institute, School of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Journal of Oral Rehabilitation
|April 23, 2014
Summary
Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) can assess pulp vitality by measuring pulpal blood flow. Despite caries and restorations, laser light transmission to the pulp is feasible in most posterior teeth for LDF testing.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Laser Optics
Background:
- Pulp vitality testing is crucial in endodontics.
- Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) measures pulpal blood flow.
- Caries and restorations may impede laser light transmission for LDF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of using LDF for pulp vitality testing in compromised teeth.
- To assess the influence of caries and restorations on laser light transmission to the pulp.
Main Methods:
- 122 molars with caries or restorations were sectioned.
- Laser light was transmitted from buccal and lingual aspects.
- Light reaching the pulp space was recorded.
Main Results:
- Buccal and lingual sites were equally effective in 55% of teeth.
- Buccal sites were effective in 29% of teeth, even with caries/restorations.
- Most (84%) restored/carious posterior teeth allowed buccal laser illumination for LDF.
Conclusions:
- LDF is a potentially viable method for pulp vitality testing in teeth with caries or restorations.
- Buccal laser illumination is effective for LDF in a majority of compromised posterior teeth.
- Further research can optimize LDF protocols for clinical application in challenging cases.
