Detection of enamel subsurface lesions by swept-source optical coherence tomography

This study aimed to non-destructively analyze the progression of subsurface enamel caries using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), a recently developed imaging analysis modality. Artificial enamel caries at various stages of demineralization were created in bovine tooth enamel using a modified lactic acid gel system. Untreated enamel served as a control. OCT images from cross-sections of enamel were collected. Mineral density, distribution, and histological changes were analyzed using an electron probe microanalyzer, scanning electron microscopy, and contact microradiography. The Raman spectrum and X-ray structural analysis of the enamel surfaces were determined. SS-OCT detected significant differences in mineral loss among the samples. A high-brightness image was confirmed, along with changes in the respective brightness graphs proportionate to the degree of demineralization. SS-OCT can potentially be used to evaluate the progression of incipient enamel carious lesions.