Early characterization of occlusal overloaded cervical dental hard tissues by en face optical coherence tomography

Early diagnosis of occlusal overload is an important issue in dental medicine. The high occlusal forces can cause irreversible damage to the dental hard tissues. Our study proposes the early microstructural characterization of occlusal overloaded bicuspids, with abnormal crown morphology, by en face optical coherence tomography (eFOCT). The dental samples were investigated using an eFOCT system operating at 1300 nm in B-scan and C-scan mode. The eFOCT images obtained from these teeth visualized cracks, which didn't reach the tooth surface. The μCT and histological images confirmed the microstructural defects identified on eFOCT images. In conclusion, eFOCT is a promising imaging method for the early diagnosis of occlusal overload on bicuspids with normal crown morphology and for the prophylaxis of dental wear.