Micro-optics assembly in dental drill as a platform for imaging and sensing during surgical drilling

A concept of combining optical imaging/sensing and mechanical function in an integrated dental drilling probe is proposed in this research. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique, which is starting to be widely used in medical application. However, most OCT systems are used only for diagnostics purposes, including dental OCT. By integrating micro lenses and optical fiber into a dental drill-bit a double function of the dental drill-bit will be enabled: drilling and imaging/sensing at the same time, providing extra safety measures during implant surgery, and off-line diagnosis of the data after surgery. Emphasis is given on the assembly method to integrate micro-optics in a proof-of-concept drill-bit. The current work aims to show the feasibility of an optomechanical system for surgical optical OCT imaging and sensing applications.