Application of optical methods for diagnostics and therapy of dentine caries

Abstract

Experimental data on hemodynamics of dental pulp at different stages of caries treatment are given. The speckle observation of backward scattered light is used as a measurement method. Various statistical characteristics of the random light field are studied as indicators of blood flow changes in dental pulp. The second part of the paper is devoted to the selection of a light source for photodynamic therapy while treating caries. The requirements to the source are to provide the photodynamic effect by light absorption of photosensitizer and to do not cause the excessive heating of dental pulp.