Applications of high-speed confocal imaging techniques in operative dentistry

All confocal scanning optical microscopes are suitable for making high-resolution images of many structures in teeth under near normal conditions. If the microscope can operate at high speed, then the number of applications widens considerably. The high-frame speed of the tandem scanning reflected light microscope (TSM) enables real-time examination of teeth in vivo, especially when the microscope is configured with a stabilising objective, featuring internal focusing elements. Experimental procedures examined microscopically on extracted teeth can include the cutting of the hard tissues, observation of fluid flow in dentine, the application of adhesives, and the fracturing of adhesive interfaces under load. Undertaking experiments where time is an important function has improved our knowledge of many of the materials/substrate interactions involved in dental operative procedures. Storing images on media other than video tape can be expensive, but reductions in the cost of computer memory is making digitisation and storage of images in real-time more widely available.