Photobiomodulation (PBM) dosimetry incorporates various irradiation parameters such as wavelength, beam area/spot size, power, fluence, irradiance, time, treatment duration, and optical properties of tissue. Among all those parameters, the optical properties, such as absorption coefficients (μa) and scattering (μs) of tissue, are the key components of determining PBM dosimetry. The absorption coefficient is primarily determined by the concentration and spectral characteristics of chromophores within the tissue. Consequently, wavelengths strongly absorbed by chromophores like hemoglobin or water may not penetrate deeply into tissue, making them inefficient for treating deeper targets. The scattering coefficient provides insight into the degree of light scattering due to interactions with tissue or inhomogeneities in the medium. In cases of high tissue scattering, a higher input dose may be necessary to ensure adequate energy density at the target site. We have studied the optical properties of pig jaws in seven different locations using contact probe developed at the University of Pennsylvania. The pig jaw is an excellent model for the human jaw since it has similar size and optical properties. Understanding the optical properties of the human jaw is the critical step for more precise and effective treatment of PBM in dental applications. This research aims to advance the understanding of the critical relationships between tissue optical properties absorption (μa) and scattering (μs), and the optimal dosimetry parameters for PBM, to enhance clinical outcomes. This highlights the importance of the PBM irradiation parameter variables and their influence on therapeutic efficacy.
|