Investigations of dental cavities: between x-ray radiography and OCT

Nowadays in dentistry a correct diagnosis is given only after a clinical and radiological evaluation. Radiographs are also required for treatment assessments. The aim of this study is to present results obtained on evaluating dental cavities in a dental clinic in Western Romania, using both X-ray radiography and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The most common methods for daily-basis clinical imaging are utilized, i.e. panoramic radiography and three-dimensional (3D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Advantages of OCT as an imaging method in dentistry are discussed: it avoids exposing the patient to X-ray radiation, and image resolution of OCT is superior. This led us to test this technique for dental assessments and see how it can work in conjunction with radiography. The study also provides upsides and downsides of both medical imaging techniques. Panoramic radiographs and 3D CBCT to several extracted teeth are performed. Dedicated toolbars from Romexis software (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland) are analyzed with regard to their capability to make precise measurements. Processing of images are made to obtain a high-quality; measurements are done and data are collected. The same teeth are scanned with an in-house developed SS-OCT system. Images from both investigations are presented, and clinical conclusions are drawn. For dental issues (i.e., cavities) that appear on the surface of the teeth, OCT proves to be more suitable than radiographs; it is also more accurate and radiation-free.