Development of dental endoscope for root-canal observation

With the development of dental instruments such as dental microscopes and techniques like cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), the precision of dental treatment has greatly improved. However, the observation of fractures near the apex collateral of root canals using these instruments remains difficult. In this study, we developed two types of probes that employ external and internal irradiation, respectively. The external-irradiation probe comprises an image fiber and a gradient-index (GRIN) lens, each with a diameter of 500 μm. The internal-irradiation probe comprises an image fiber 300 μm in diameter; a GRIN lens 250 μm in diameter; and five optical fibers for illumination, each 65 μm in diameter. Both probes observed lines and spaces 10 to 100 μm in width on a sample when using a light source from the outside. The visibility of the obtained images increased with the width of the lines and spaces. The illumination of the observation area with the optical fibers inside of the probe was difficult because of a lack of light. In this study, we obtained high-resolution pictures of a root canal. In the future, we will re-design the lens to determine a suitable offset for the optical fiber.

[1]  Taiji Sohmura,et al.  Complete 3-D reconstruction of dental cast shape using perceptual grouping , 2001, IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging.

[2]  Shoude Chang,et al.  Graded-index fiber lens proposed for ultrasmall probes used in biomedical imaging. , 2007, Applied optics.

[3]  Torsten Hopp,et al.  2D/3D image fusion of X-ray mammograms with breast MRI: visualizing dynamic contrast enhancement in mammograms , 2012, International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery.

[4]  T. von Arx.  Frequency and type of canal isthmuses in first molars detected by endoscopic inspection during periradicular surgery. , 2005, International endodontic journal.

[5]  Nozomi Nishimura,et al.  Three-photon excited fluorescence imaging of unstained tissue using a GRIN lens endoscope , 2013, Biomedical optics express.

[6]  Yuchio Yanagawa,et al.  Development of a micro-imaging probe for functional brain imaging , 2013, Neuroscience Research.

[7]  Masahiro Izumi,et al.  Effectiveness of dental computed tomography in diagnostic imaging of periradicular lesion of each root of a multirooted tooth: a case report. , 2006, Journal of endodontics.

[8]  E. Whaites,et al.  The potential applications of cone beam computed tomography in the management of endodontic problems. , 2007, International endodontic journal.

[9]  Xin Li,et al.  Deep Tissue Microscopic Imaging of the Kidney with a Gradient-Index Lens System. , 2008, Optics communications.

[10]  Allan G. Farman,et al.  Use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography in Endodontics , 2010, International journal of dentistry.

[11]  Bassam Hassan,et al.  Detection of vertical root fractures in endodontically treated teeth by a cone beam computed tomography scan. , 2009, Journal of endodontics.

[12]  F. Vertucci.  Root canal anatomy of the human permanent teeth. , 1984, Oral surgery, oral medicine, and oral pathology.

[13]  Rodivan Braz,et al.  Evaluation of crack propagation in dental composites by optical coherence tomography. , 2009, Dental materials : official publication of the Academy of Dental Materials.

[14]  Anna Grazia Mignani,et al.  In-vivo biomedical monitoring by fiber-optic systems , 1995 .

[15]  F. Vertucci,et al.  Root canal morphology and its relationship to endodontic procedures , 2005 .

[16]  Christos Angelopoulos,et al.  Use of cone-beam computed tomography to identify root canal systems in vitro. , 2008, Journal of endodontics.

[17]  B Messerschmidt,et al.  Endoscope-compatible confocal microscope using a gradient index-lens system , 2001 .

[18]  Toshitsugu Ueda,et al.  Study of Endoscopy for Dental Treatment , 2013 .

[19]  Shanon Patel,et al.  Cone beam CT in dental practice , 2009, BDJ.

[20]  Scott A Schwartz,et al.  Endodontic applications of cone-beam volumetric tomography. , 2007, Journal of endodontics.

[21]  Aly A. Farag,et al.  A 3D reconstruction of the human jaw from a single image , 2013, 2013 IEEE International Conference on Image Processing.

[22]  P. Wesselink,et al.  Detection of vertical root fractures in vivo in endodontically treated teeth by cone-beam computed tomography scans. , 2009, Journal of endodontics.

[23]  Aly A. Farag,et al.  2D-PCA Shape Models: Application to 3D Reconstruction of the Human Teeth from a Single Image , 2013, MCV.

[24]  S. Taschieri,et al.  Endodontic therapy using magnification devices: a systematic review. , 2010, Journal of dentistry.

[25]  Chun-Li Chang,et al.  The pulse exciation of UV LED source for fluorescence detection , 2011, 2011 IEEE International Instrumentation and Measurement Technology Conference.

[26]  Carlos Estrela,et al.  Accuracy of cone beam computed tomography and panoramic and periapical radiography for detection of apical periodontitis. , 2008, Journal of endodontics.

[27]  A. Suomalainen,et al.  The 3DX multi-image micro-CT device in clinical dental practice , 2005 .