Microscope-Integrated Quantitative Fluorescence Imaging for Assessing Crack Severity in Teeth
10.17135/jdhs.2026.26.1.44
- Author:
Hye-Min KU
1
Author Information
1. Department of Conservative Dentistry, Oral Science Research Center, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Publication Type:RESEARCH ARTICLE
- From:
Journal of Dental Hygiene Science
2026;26(1):44-52
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:This study investigated the fluorescence characteristics associated with cracks and evaluated the relationshipbetween crack depth and fluorescence-derived variables using quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital (QLF-D) and microscope-QLF hybrid techniques. Agreement between maximum fluorescence loss (ΔFmax) values obtained from the two modalities was also assessed.
Methods:Extracted teeth with confirmed cracks were examined using QLF-D and a microscope-QLF hybrid technique integratinga fluorescence light source with an operating microscope. Fluorescence-derived variables, including ΔFmax and red fluorescence (ΔR) and maximum red fluorescece (ΔRmax) variables, were quantified using dedicated analysis software. The crack depth was measured using micro-computed tomography as the reference standard. Associations between the crack depth and fluorescence-derived variables were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation analysis. Agreement between ΔFmax values obtained from the two imaging modalities was evaluated using Bland-Altman analysis.
Results:Cracks displayed characteristic fluorescence loss and red fluorescence patterns in both imaging modalities. Among thefluorescence-derived variables, ΔFmax demonstrated the strongest correlation with crack depth for both the QLF-D and the microscope-QLF hybrid techniques (p＜0.01). The corresponding ΔFmax values obtained from the two modalities were strongly correlated. Bland-Altman analysis indicated a small systematic bias, with the microscope-QLF hybrid technique slightly overestimating ΔFmax; however, all measurements remained within the 95% limits of agreement.
Conclusion:The microscope-QLF hybrid technique showed a measurable and consistent relationship with QLF-D for quantitativefluorescence assessment. Although systematic differences were observed, the hybrid technique may serve as a supportive tool for assessing relative crack severity during endodontic procedures.
