Laser Doppler pulp vitality measurements: simulation and measurement

T. Ertl

doi:10.1117/12.2257249

8 February 2017 Laser Doppler pulp vitality measurements: simulation and measurement

T. Ertl

Proceedings Volume 10044, Lasers in Dentistry XXIII; 100440F (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2257249
Event: SPIE BiOS, 2017, San Francisco, California, United States

Abstract

Frequently pulp vitality measurement is done in a dental practice by pressing a frozen cotton pellet on the tooth. This method is subjective, as the patient´s response is required, sometimes painful and has moderate sensitivity and specificity. Other methods, based on optical or electrical measurement have been published, but didn´t find wide spread application in the dental offices. Laser Doppler measurement of the blood flow in the pulp could be an objective method to measure pulp vitality, but the influence of the gingival blood flow on the measurements is a concern. Therefore experiments and simulations were done to learn more about the gingival blood flow in relation to the pulpal blood flow and how to minimize the influence. First patient measurements were done to show the feasibility clinically. Results: Monte Carlo simulations and bench experiments simulating the blood flow in and around a tooth show that both basic configurations, transmission and reflection measurements are possible. Most favorable is a multi-point measurement with different distances from the gingiva. Preliminary sensitivity / specificity are promising and might allow an objective and painless measurement of tooth vitality.

Citation Download Citation

T. Ertl "Laser Doppler pulp vitality measurements: simulation and measurement", Proc. SPIE 10044, Lasers in Dentistry XXIII, 100440F (8 February 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2257249

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available