Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is generally regarded as the 6th Imaging Modality and is a new, light-based imaging technology that is ideally suited for bio-medical diagnostic imaging applications.  OCT represents a major advancement in imaging in dentistry due its ability to provide detailed characterization of the dental microstructures, enabling the dentist to make earlier and more accurate diagnosis of oral disease including decay and periodontal disease.  The early detection of tooth decay facilitates the dentist to employ non- or minimally invasive techniques to treat or even reverse decay and periodontal disease, using topical or chemical means.  Less invasive treatment enhances the patient experience and results in a higher level of professional service and patient care.

 

Dental x-ray, the mainstay of diagnostic imaging in dental practices today, was first used in dentistry in 1885.  While there have been improvements in this modality over the last 121 years, most recently digital x-ray, this modality has severe limitations in providing the detailed information needed for early detection of decay. Mist importantly, x-ray cannot image the occlusal (biting surfaces) of the rear or molar teeth, where up to 80% of all tooth decay originates. OCT with a resolution of up to 10 times that of x-ray is the first modality to image both hard (teeth) and soft tissue (gums) and without any harmful radiation as it employs a safe, high intensity light source. 

 

The first 5 Imaging Modalities (review “History of Imaging Technology” opposite) are suited to specific areas of bio-medical imaging that does not usually include diagnostics in dentistry except for the limited use of CT Scan for implant and surgical planning. 

 

All the dental literature and research show that there is a diagnostic void for a device that can detect early, later or hidden decay with a high confidence level and provide an easy to read image. This system should provide real-time qualitative and quantitative information of the oral tissue to aid in performing diagnostics for early detection and evaluation of the oral microstructures.  The unique characteristics of OCT meet the needs of a safe and advanced technology based system to provide the diagnostic means for dentistry to move towards the medical model – find disease now, and treat it now.

 

Lantis Laser Inc. is dedicating its resources and efforts to the development of its proprietary OCT Dental Imaging System(TM) that will be used by dentists to obtain a real-time chairside evaluation of the oral tissues to aid in the early detection of decay, periodontal disease and microstructural deficiencies. Lantis has the exclusicve rights to applications for OCT in dentistry under its exclusive license Agreements with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.