Comparison of Optical Coherence Tomography and Fluorescence Assessments of Decay
underneath Dental Sealants
Gregory Chan
Mentor: Petra Wilder-Smith
The efficacy of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescence-based imaging modalities at detecting
decay underneath dental sealants was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated. Sealant was applied onto
healthy, demineralized, and carious teeth. The OCT and fluorescence images of each of the three categories
of teeth were compared for the ability to identify decay. A clear contrast was visible in the OCT images
between healthy, demineralized, and carious teeth, with statistical significance. Fluorescence detected heavy
decay but there was no discernment between healthy and demineralized teeth, either qualitatively or
quantitatively. This study demonstrates the capability of optical coherence tomography to diagnose tooth
demineralization and decay under dental sealants.