Usefulness of subtraction thermography in the evaluation of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the dental pulp
At a Glance
Section titled âAt a Glanceâ| Metadata | Details |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2024-01-01 |
| Journal | Acta of Bioengineering and Biomechanics |
| Authors | Maria WiĆniewska-Wrona, Maria Szymonowicz, Piotr Kuropka, Zbigniew Rybak, Natalia Struzik |
| Institutions | WrocĆaw University of Science and Technology, WrocĆaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences |
| Analysis | Full AI Review Included |
Technical Documentation & Analysis: Subtraction Thermography in Dental Pulp
Section titled âTechnical Documentation & Analysis: Subtraction Thermography in Dental PulpâThis document analyzes the research paper âUsefulness of subtraction thermography in the evaluation of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the dental pulpâ to highlight the critical role of advanced diamond materials in precision thermal science and to drive sales for 6CCVDâs specialized MPCVD diamond products.
Executive Summary
Section titled âExecutive SummaryâThe study successfully validates subtraction thermography (ST) as a non-invasive, quantitative method for assessing vascular activity and inflammation in dental pulp. The findings underscore the necessity of materials with superior thermal properties for high-precision bioengineering applications.
- Core Achievement: Subtraction thermography (ST) effectively identified differences in heat dissipation rates ($\Delta T$) across tooth cross-sections, correlating these differences with the density of vascular beds (blood and lymphatic vessels).
- Mechanism: The technique isolates thermal changes caused by tissue heterogeneity (density, fluid flow) by subtracting thermograms taken at $t = 0$ s and $t = 120$ s of free cooling.
- Key Finding: Caries-affected teeth showed distinct areas of fluid flow and heat release, indicating increased vascularization and inflammation intensity.
- Precision Requirement: The methodology relies on extremely precise temperature control ($T_0 = 40 \pm 0.5$ °C) and high-resolution thermal imaging (640 $\times$ 320 pixels).
- Material Relevance: The use of a diamond saw for sample preparation and the reliance on precise thermal conductivity measurements highlight the need for high-performance diamond materials in both tooling and advanced sensor/window applications.
- 6CCVD Value Proposition: 6CCVD provides the high-thermal-conductivity Single Crystal Diamond (SCD) and Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) substrates necessary to replicate or advance this research, particularly in creating stable thermal stages and high-transparency IR windows.
Technical Specifications
Section titled âTechnical SpecificationsâThe following hard data points were extracted from the experimental methodology:
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Heating Temperature ($T_0$) | 40 $\pm$ 0.5 | °C | Standard thermal pulse applied to samples |
| Long Pulse Heating Temperature ($T_0$) | 45 $\pm$ 0.5 | °C | Used for experimental temperature dependence tests |
| Ambient Temperature ($T_{amb}$) | 22 $\pm$ 0.5 | °C | Free cooling environment |
| Cooling Duration | 120 | s | Total time recorded for thermogram sequence |
| Camera Resolution | 640 $\times$ 320 | pixels | FLIR P640 thermal imaging camera |
| Initial Sampling Frequency | 30 | Hz | Raw recording rate of thermograms |
| Analysis Sampling Frequency | 1 | Hz | Frequency used for statistical analysis (low dynamics) |
| IR Lamp Power | 250 | W | Heat source for uniform sample heating |
| IR Lamp Distance | 12 | cm | Distance from sample during heating |
| Imaging Distance | $\approx$ 3 | cm | Distance using spacer ring |
| Absolute Pulp Temperature Limit | 41.5 | °C | Maximum temperature limit for restorative procedures |
Key Methodologies
Section titled âKey MethodologiesâThe subtraction thermography survey was conducted using precise thermal control and high-resolution imaging to analyze transient cooling behavior.
- Sample Preparation: Healthy (n=10) and carious (n=14) molars and premolars were freshly extracted and cut in the transverse axis using a diamond saw.
- Thermal Pulse Application: Samples were heated uniformly using a 250 W IR lamp (12 cm distance) to an initial temperature ($T_0$) of 40 $\pm$ 0.5 °C (or 45 $\pm$ 0.5 °C for long pulse tests).
- Thermogram Recording: A sequence of thermograms was recorded during 120 s of free cooling at ambient temperature ($T_{amb} = 22 \pm 0.5$ °C) using a high-resolution FLIR P640 camera (640 $\times$ 320 pixels) from a distance of $\approx$ 3 cm.
- Subtraction Analysis: Digital image analysis software (ThermaCAM Researcher Pro 2.8 and MatLab) was used to perform subtraction: $C(i, j) = Standarization [A(i, j) - B(i, j)]$, where A is the thermogram at $t=0$ s and B is the thermogram at $t=120$ s.
- ROI Definition: Three Regions of Interest (ROI) were defined: ROI1 (entire cross-section), ROI2 (smallest temperature difference, indicating highest vascular bed density), and ROI3 (largest temperature difference, indicating homogeneous structure).
- Index Calculation: Dimensionless temperature indices (C(t)) and rates of temperature change ($I(i)$) were calculated based on the cooling curves of ROI2 and ROI3.
- Validation: Thermographic results were compared against the âgold standardâ of lymphoscintigraphy and X-ray examination.
6CCVD Solutions & Capabilities
Section titled â6CCVD Solutions & CapabilitiesâThis research demonstrates the critical link between material thermal properties and advanced diagnostic imaging. 6CCVDâs MPCVD diamond products are ideally suited to support and extend this type of high-precision thermal science, both through superior tooling and advanced sensor integration.
| Research Requirement / Challenge | 6CCVD Solution & Capability | Applicable Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Precision Sample Preparation | The study required cutting samples with a diamond saw. 6CCVD supplies high-quality PCD blanks and custom-machined components for superior, durable, and precise cutting tools, minimizing thermal damage during preparation. | PCD Blanks (Tooling Grade) |
| High-Resolution IR Imaging | Thermography relies on the transmission of infrared radiation. SCD is an ideal material for protective windows, lenses, or beam splitters due to its exceptional IR transparency and thermal stability. | Optical Grade SCD (Polished to Ra < 1 nm) |
| Thermal Stage Stability | Maintaining precise temperature control ($T_{amb} = 22 \pm 0.5$ °C) is crucial. 6CCVD SCD/PCD substrates offer the highest known thermal conductivity (up to 2000 W/mK), enabling the construction of highly stable thermal stages or active heat sinks for experimental control. | High Thermal Conductivity SCD/PCD |
| Advanced Sensor Integration | Future research may require integrating micro-sensors or electrodes directly onto the sample stage for simultaneous thermal and electrochemical analysis of fluid flow. | Custom SCD/PCD Wafers (Up to 125mm) |
| Electrochemical Fluid Analysis | The paper discusses fluid flow and inflammation markers. Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) is the premier electrode material for stable, sensitive electrochemical detection of biological species in complex media. | Heavy Boron-Doped Diamond (BDD) |
| Custom Metalization | For integrating thermal sensors or creating specific heating elements (e.g., resistive layers) on the diamond substrate, custom metal contacts are necessary. | Metalization Services: Au, Pt, Ti, W, Cu (Internal capability) |
Engineering Support
Section titled âEngineering Supportâ6CCVDâs in-house PhD team specializes in the thermal, optical, and electrochemical properties of diamond. We can assist researchers in selecting the optimal diamond grade (SCD, PCD, or BDD) and geometry (custom dimensions up to 125mm, thicknesses from 0.1 ”m to 500 ”m) required for similar Thermophotonic Lock-in Imaging (TPLI) or Active Dynamic Thermography projects.
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View Original Abstract
Purpose Caries or iatrogenic thermal trauma of the teeth have a significant impact on the dental pulp structure connected with stimulation of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. Therefore, the aim of the study was to identify the difference in the rate of heat dissipation by vessels present in the dental pulp. Methods Freshly extracted healthy and carious teeth were cut on a diamond saw and subjected to thermographic testing. Tooth samples were heated to 45±0,5°C using a lamp. A high-resolution thermal imaging camera was used to record the series of thermograms until the samples reached a temperature of 25±0,5°C. Results Thermographic examination of healthy and cariously changed teeth revealed areas of increased tissue fluid flow combined with heat release, which may indirectly indicate the existence of vessels in these areas. On a thermal imaging camera, variations in the rate of heating or cooling across several cross-sectional sections of the same tooth indicate changes in the dental structureâs density. Conclusions In caries-affected teeth, intracanalicular fluid flows are different than those of healthy teeth. Therefore, it can be concluded that the pulp vessels enabling circulation of body fluids - blood and lymphatic - increases with the intensity of inflammation. Maintaining the homeostasis of the dental pulp depends heavily on the circulation of bodily fluids within the dental organ.