OCT Application in Direct Dental Restorations Marginal Fit Evaluation

To apply OCT analysis in secondary caries and marginal gap detection and evaluation for direct dental restorations is the aim of the paper. 15 extracted teeth with pre-existing direct dental restorations were analysed through OCT to evaluate marginal fit of restorations. The OCT system used wasmanufactured by Thorlabs (OCS1300SS), powered by a swept laser source with central 1310 nm wavelength, 100 nm spectral bandwidth and 12 mW average power. The occlusal area of the teeth was sampled pictured in 10 mm width, 10 mm distance and 3 mm depth. OCT was used also to evaluate in micrometers (mm) the maximum marginal gap between dental filling and tooth. OCT analysis of the marginal fit of direct dental restorations after A scan examination revealed that amalgam had the smallest marginal gap (width 210 mm, depth 90 mm), followed by glass ionomer (width 350 mm, depth 280 mm), and composite (width 520 mm, depth 300 mm). OCT analysis revealed that for marginal fit evaluation amalgam had best performance, followed by glass ionomer, and ultimately, by resin composite. OCT could be used as an alternative method to appreciate the marginal fit of direct dental restorations giving details that could help dentists to take best treatment decision, whether to repair or to replace the restorations.