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. 2017 Feb;47(1):13-19.
doi: 10.5051/jpis.2017.47.1.13. Epub 2017 Feb 28.

Improved accuracy in periodontal pocket depth measurement using optical coherence tomography

Sul-Hee Kim  1 , Se-Ryong Kang  2 , Hee-Jung Park  3 , Jun-Min Kim  4 , Won-Jin Yi  5 , Tae-Il Kim  6
Affiliations

Improved accuracy in periodontal pocket depth measurement using optical coherence tomography

Sul-Hee Kim et al. J Periodontal Implant Sci. 2017 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether periodontal pocket could be satisfactorily visualized by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to suggest quantitative methods for measuring periodontal pocket depth.

Methods: We acquired OCT images of periodontal pockets in a porcine model and determined the actual axial resolution for measuring the exact periodontal pocket depth using a calibration method. Quantitative measurements of periodontal pockets were performed by real axial resolution and compared with the results from manual periodontal probing.

Results: The average periodontal pocket depth measured by OCT was 3.10±0.15 mm, 4.11±0.17 mm, 5.09±0.17 mm, and 6.05±0.21 mm for each periodontal pocket model, respectively. These values were similar to those obtained by manual periodontal probing.

Conclusions: OCT was able to visualize periodontal pockets and show attachment loss. By calculating the calibration factor to determine the accurate axial resolution, quantitative standards for measuring periodontal pocket depth can be established regardless of the position of periodontal pocket in the OCT image.

Keywords: Computer-assisted image interpretation; Gingiva; Optical coherence tomography; Periodontal pocket.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The porcine mandibular sample positioned for OCT imaging acquisition (A) and the OCT images obtained of the target area (B) showing the dental structures. OCT, optical coherence tomography; G, gingiva; E, enamel, D, dentin; PP, periodontal pocket.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The porcine sample for calibration of the axial resolution of the OCT image and the calibration phantom between the gingiva and the tooth surface (A). OCT images of the sample with 0° (B) and 20° (C) of imaging inclination. OCT, optical coherence tomography
Figure 3
Figure 3
Measuring the periodontal pocket depth of a porcine sample by manual probing (A) and the OCT images of each sample at the depths of 3 mm (B), 4 mm (C), 5 mm (D), and 6 mm (E). OCT, optical coherence tomography.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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