Assessment of Soft Tissue Perfusion during Bone Graft Maturation - A Feasibility Study
Monday, April 8, 2024
4:32pm – 4:42pm
Location: 406
Authors: Amanda Rodriguez Betancourt, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan Hsun-Liang Chan, The Ohio State University Ankita Samal, University of Iowa,College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics Mithra Arun, University of Michigan Oliver Kripfgans, University of Michigan ,
Have you ever had an ultrasound taken while you were at your dentist? Probably not! But this is about to change. This study focuses on the use of ultrasound and laser speckle imaging for monitoring extraction socket augmentation, a procedure that maintains jawbone dimensions for future dental implants. While complications can arise in up to 30% of cases. Recent advancements in high-frequency ultrasonography, particularly in transducer design, have opened new ways for dentists to understand oral wound healing.
Our research compares ultrasound and laser speckle imaging, both evaluating tissue blood perfusion values from the same site. Ultrasound offers cross-sectional views into the gum tissue, from the epithelium to the underlying bone. For ultrasound, color flow velocity and power were evaluated. Whereas laser speckle images the superficial gum tissue surrounding the extraction site, i.e., the to-the-eye visible gum tissue (mostly epithelium). Despite their differing image planes, the results reveal a correlation in perfusion data for soft tissue regions within the extraction site. This finding is intriguing as the images come from perpendicular angles. Future studies should include temporal image acquisitions to follow the wound healing process of these extraction sockets and inform periodontists about potential healing complications.