Pulse oximetry as a diagnostic tool in dental medicine

Abstract

One of the most widespread optical methods used in biophotonics is the pulse oximetry, which is based on the measurement of light-modulated pulse wave of blood. This is a non-invasive, objective method for evaluation of the blood supply. Recently it has become very popular in dental medicine for the measurement of the condition of pulp microcirculation. The aim of our research is to evaluate the possibilities of pulse oximetry for estimation the pulp microcirculation in intact teeth among young patients. Results obtained clearly show that this method can be applied to assess the pulp condition and could be used in clinical practice in combination with other diagnostic methods.