Abstract
Exposed root surfaces due to gingival recession are subject to biofilm stagnation that can result in caries formation. Cervical enamel and dentin demineralization induced by a cariogenic biofilm was evaluated using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). The cementoenamel junction (CEJ) sections of extracted human teeth were subjected to demineralization for 1, 2, or 3 weeks. A suspension of Streptococcus mutans was applied to form a cariogenic biofilm using an oral biofilm reactor. After incubation, demineralization was observed by SS-OCT. For the analysis of SS-OCT signal, the value of the area under the curve (AUC) of the signal profile was measured. Statistical analyses were performed with 95% level of confidence. Cervical demineralization was displayed as a bright zone in SS-OCT. The demineralization depth of dentin was significantly deeper than that of enamel (p<0.05). Enamel near the CEJ demonstrated a significant increase of AUC over the other enamel region after the demineralization. The gaps along the dentinoenamel junction were additionally observed in SS-OCT. SS-OCT was capable of monitoring the cervical demineralization induced by a cariogenic biofilm and is considered to be a promising modality for the diagnosis of cervical demineralization.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 014504 |
Journal | Journal of Medical Imaging |
Volume | 3 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 1 2016 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Biofilm
- Cervical tooth
- Demineralization
- Streptococcus mutans
- Swept-source optical coherence tomography
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging