Rigotti Pietro, Polizzi Alessandro, Verzì Anna Elisa, Lacarrubba Francesco, Micali Giuseppe, Isola Gaetano
Unit of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
Unit of Dermatology, Department of General Surgery and Surgical-Medical Specialties, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy.
Dent J (Basel). 2025 Jul 4;13(7):305. doi: 10.3390/dj13070305.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides high-resolution, real-time visualization of soft and hard periodontal tissues. It offers micrometer-level resolution (typically ~10-15 μm) and a scan depth ranging from approximately 0.5 to 2 mm, depending on tissue type and system configuration. The field of view generally spans a few millimeters, which is sufficient for imaging gingiva, sulcus, and superficial bone contours. Over the past two decades, its application in periodontology has gained increasing attention due to its ability to detect structural changes in gingival and alveolar tissues without the need for ionizing radiation. Various OCT modalities, including time-domain, Fourier-domain, and swept-source OCT, have been explored for periodontal assessment, offering valuable insights into tissue morphology, disease progression, and treatment outcomes. Recent innovations include the development of three-dimensional (3D) OCT imaging and OCT angiography (OCTA), enabling the volumetric visualization of periodontal structures and microvascular patterns in vivo. Compared to conventional imaging techniques, such as radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), OCT offers superior soft tissue contrast and the potential for dynamic in vivo monitoring of periodontal conditions. Recent advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the development of portable OCT systems, have further expanded its diagnostic capabilities. However, challenges, such as limited penetration depth, high costs, and the need for standardized clinical protocols, must be addressed before widespread clinical implementation. This narrative review provides an updated overview of the principles, applications, and technological advancements of OCT in periodontology. The current limitations and future perspectives of this technology are also discussed, with a focus on its potential role in improving periodontal diagnostics and personalized treatment approaches.
光学相干断层扫描（OCT）是一种非侵入性成像技术，可对软硬牙周组织进行高分辨率实时可视化。它提供微米级分辨率（通常约为10 - 15μm），扫描深度根据组织类型和系统配置约为0.5至2mm。视野通常跨越几毫米，足以对牙龈、龈沟和浅表骨轮廓进行成像。在过去二十年中，由于其能够在无需电离辐射的情况下检测牙龈和牙槽组织的结构变化，它在牙周病学中的应用受到越来越多的关注。已经探索了各种OCT模式，包括时域、傅里叶域和扫频源OCT，用于牙周评估，为组织形态、疾病进展和治疗结果提供了有价值的见解。最近的创新包括三维（3D）OCT成像和OCT血管造影（OCTA）的发展，能够在体内对牙周结构和微血管模式进行容积可视化。与传统成像技术，如放射摄影和锥形束计算机断层扫描（CBCT）相比，OCT具有卓越的软组织对比度以及对牙周状况进行动态体内监测的潜力。最近的进展，包括人工智能（AI）的整合和便携式OCT系统的开发，进一步扩展了其诊断能力。然而，在广泛临床应用之前，必须解决诸如穿透深度有限、成本高以及需要标准化临床方案等挑战。本叙述性综述提供了OCT在牙周病学中的原理、应用和技术进展的最新概述。还讨论了该技术目前的局限性和未来前景，重点是其在改善牙周诊断和个性化治疗方法方面的潜在作用。
