SIGNIFICANCE: A reduced-diameter tip could expand DIAGNOdent (DD) application. OBJECTIVES: To construct and test the feasibility of a reduced-diameter optical taper tip (OT) for DD detection of carious dentin. METHODS: A 16.2mm x 1.59mm x 0.769mm optical taper was made by drawing a coherent fused glass image conduit in a flame. (Edmund Optics G53-843; 1.6mm x 3012 fibers, 20 lp/mm resolution, 0.53 N.A.). The drawn conduit was cut and polished with diamond. It was mounted in a steel tube (.089” OD, .071” ID), connected to a machined brass bushing, and inserted in the DD handpiece. Image transmission was evaluated by measuring the bundle pattern of the DD unit under a microscope at 10x. Performance was evaluated on a ceramic standard (71) and 7 dentin lesions using A, B and OT tips. Five readings were taken on each substrate, and differences in mean readings among tips calculated for each substrate. Resolution was evaluated on a dentin block containing an inlaid strip of carious dentin. Readings were taken across the strip at 0.05mm intervals using a linear motion stage. DD values at strip interfaces and mid-strip, and DD value/distance slopes were calculated. RESULTS: The bundle pattern was observed intact through B and OT tips. Pattern measurements through OT were evenly reduced 0.48x corresponding to taper reduction. Mean value of OT for ceramic standard was 71.2 (range 71-72). Differences in means among A, B and OT tips for seven lesions ranged: -1.6 to 15.6 (A/B), -5.6 to 0 (A/OT), and -15.6 to 3.6 (B/OT) with lowest total difference in A/OT. On dentin block with carious strip, OT DD value/distance slopes at caries/normal interface were similar to A but steeper than B. Maximum DD value on caries: A>OT>B. CONCLUSION: A reduced-diameter optical taper tip for DD is feasible for detection of carious dentin.

Back to the Diagnostic Systems Program
Back to the ADEA/AADR/CADR Meeting & Exhibition (March 8-11, 2006)

Top Level Search