The application of real-time confocal microscopy to the study of high-speed dental-bur-tooth-cutting interactions.

A tandem scanning reflected light microscope (TSM) has been used to study the cutting interactions of dental burs with enamel. Confocal microscopy produces high-resolution images of subsurface structures in semi-transparent specimens such as teeth. The TSM has a real-time imaging ability which allows the visualization of the high-speed failure of a substrate which is being machined. This paper describes the criteria for successful imaging and their implementation in the design of a stage for controlling these cutting interactions. Examples of the results achieved are given and further applications for this technique in the field of biomaterials suggested.