Abstract

X-rays imaging is the gold standard in dental medicine for diagnosis and treatment evaluation and monitoring. We have explored the possible synergy of different types of dental radiographies with another imaging technique, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). With regard to the former, the latter offers higher resolution and non-invasive imaging of the tissue structure with no radiation exposure. However, OCT has much lower penetration depth. This trade-off between various characteristics imposes one or the other of these two techniques, or in some cases both of them for different medical investigations. Thus, we have explored the integration of these two imaging modalities, which can provide improved visualization of the tissue structure, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and reduce patient radiation dose [Materials 13, 4825 (2020); https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13214825]. Also, we demonstrated that OCT can successfully serve as an optimization technique for various types of radiographies [Sensors 21, 4554 (2021); https://doi.org/10.3390/s21134554]. This report is focused on such optimizations performed for dental 3D Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The use of CBCT X-ray units in dentistry imaging has revolutionized the way images are captured and processed. However, these units often suffer from low image quality, limited tissue visualization, and exposure to ionizing radiation. While CBCT images are useful for dental diagnosis and planning, they can be limited by poor tissue contrast and a lack of information about the internal structure of the tissues being imaged. We present how the integration of OCT in the process of optimization of CBCT X-ray units allows for real-time imaging of the tissue with improved accuracy and resolution. This combination provides dentists with detailed images of the tooth, jaw, and surrounding tissues, which enables better diagnosis and treatment planning. In conclusion, the optimization of CBCT X-ray units with OCT can be a step forward in the field of medical imaging. This combination can provide a more comprehensive, accurate, and non-invasive approach to tissue imaging that benefits both patients and healthcare professionals.

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