Detection of Dentinal Microcracks Using Infrared Thermography

Introduction: It is difficult to make a definite diagnosis of a cracked tooth solely based on an inspection Within the root canal, especially in case of microtracks. At present, there, semis to be no established method to detect dentinal microcracks in root; therefore, the current detection techniques need to,be improved. Vibrothermography, (VibroIR) helps to detect microcracks by the friction heat generated from ultrasonic vibration: The purpose of this study, was to establish a novel method using,VibroIR to detect dentinal microcracks. Methods: The root canals of, 20 roots with cracks and control toots were prepared after removing the tooth crowns. A tapered indenter was inserted into the root canal and-pressed-until a microcrack was created under an optical microscope. Using VibroIR, the detection trials; for dentinal microtracks were,performed with an ultrasonic vibration power ranging from 0.43 to 1.48 W at an angle of 0 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, and 90 degrees between the ultrasonic vibration point and the microcrack line. After. the detection test, the microtrack width was measured with an optical microscope. Results: Frictional heat Was detected in the microcracks with thermography at 0.89 to 1.48 Wand at an ultrasonic vibration point angle less than 60 degrees from the crack line for 10 seconds. Microcracks with a width of 4 to 35.5 mu m were detected with this method. Conclusions: VibroIR may be an effective Method for the diagnosis of root dentinal microcracks. (J Endod 2013;39:88-91)