An Interferometric Device for Detecting Subgingival Caries

Abstract

We report here studies confirming confirming the potential and relevance of the use of an interferometric device with a temporal coherence-limited radiation source for measurements in therapeutic dentistry. In vivo experimental studies of early subgingival caries in the maxillary and mandibular arches in the left- and right-sided canines were carried out. The distribution of the coefficient of reflection R over the depth of the gingiva with and without early caries was investigated. Experimental results were obtained on the detection of caries in the initial stages with an error of 2.1 μm. A scheme for the interferometric device is presented and the technical characteristics are given: measurement error, 2.1 μm; range of measurement of analysis depth, 0-4 mm; measurement frequency, 46 Hz; mean distance from the microlens to the object, 120 mm.