Research on the detection of early caries based on hyperspectral imaging

Objective:We applied hyperspectral imaging(HSI)system to distinguish early caries from soundand pigmented areas.It will provide a theoretical basis and technical support,for research anddevelopment of an instrument that could be used for screening and detection of early dentalcaries.Methods:Eighteen extracted human teeth(molars and premolars),with varying degrees ofnatural pathology and no degree of decay involving dentin were obtained.HSI system with awavelength range from 400 to 1000nm was used to obtain images of all 18 teeth containingsound,carious and pigmented areas.We compared the spectra of the wavebands at both 500 nmand 780 nm from the different tooth states,and the reflectance diference bet ween sound versuscarious lesions and sound versus pigmented areas,respectively.Results:There was a slight diference in refectance bet ween carious areas and pigmented areas at500 nm.A substantial difference was additionally noted in refectance bet ween carious areas andpigmented areas at 780 nm.Conclusion:The results have shown that the interference of tooth surface pigment can be elim-inated in the near-infrared(NIR)waveband,and the caries can be effectively identifed from the pigmented areas.Thus,it could be used to detect carious areas of teeth in place of the traditionalvisual inspection method or white light endoscopy.Clinical significance:The NIR difused light signal enables the identification of early caries frompigment and other interference,providing a reasonable detection tool for early detection andearly treatment of teeth diseases.