Noninvasive multimodal imaging by integrating optical coherence tomography with autofluorescence imaging for dental applications

Abstract

We report the development of an integrated multifunctional imaging system capable of providing anatomical (optical coherence tomography, OCT), functional (OCT angiography, OCTA) and molecular imaging (light-induced autofluorescence, LIAF) for in vivo dental applications. Blue excitation light (405 nm) was used for LIAF imaging, while the OCT was powered by a 1310 nm swept laser source. A red-green-blue digital camera, with a 450 nm cut-on broadband optical filter, was used for LIAF detection. The exciting light source and camera were integrated directly with the OCT scanning probe. The integrated system used two noninvasive imaging modalities to improve the speed of in vivo OCT data collection and to better target the regions of interest. The newly designed system maintained the ability to detect differences between healthy and hypomineralized teeth, identify dental biofilm and visualize the microvasculature of gingival tissue. The development of the integrated OCT-LIAF system provides an opportunity to conduct clinical studies more efficiently, examining changes in oral conditions over time.