This study is designed to validate laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) as a non-invasive method for measuring superficial gingival blood perfusion. Accurate assessment of vascularization is essential for understanding periodontal and peri-implant wound healing, yet current clinical methods are limited by subjective interpretation and low reproducibility. Repeated LSCI measurements will be performed in healthy gingival tissues and in tissues undergoing different mucogingival healing patterns, including primary and secondary intention healing. The study will also evaluate factors that may influence perfusion readings, such as angulation, retractors, mirror use, temperature, and heart rate. The primary objective is to determine the reproducibility of LSCI measurements and to support its use as a reliable tool for monitoring oral soft-tissue vascularization and healing.
Adults aged 18 years or older
Non-smokers
Good systemic health
Good periodontal health
Pregnancy
Use of anti-inflammatory medication within 7 days before evaluation
Oral treatment within 6 months before evaluation
For the prospective healthy-gingiva component: any condition not compatible with good systemic or periodontal health
Single group
Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging
Diagnostic testLaser speckle contrast imaging is a non-invasive, contact-free diagnostic imaging method used to assess superficial blood perfusion in gingival and oral soft tissues. In this study, standardized LSCI measurements are performed to evaluate gingival vascularization in healthy tissues and in surgically treated tissues with different healing patterns, including closed mucogingival wounds and open palatal donor sites. Measurements are obtained under controlled conditions using the PeriCam PSI system to assess reproducibility and the influence of predefined measurement-related factors on perfusion values.
Reproducibility of LSCI perfusion measurements
Reproducibility of superficial gingival/oral soft-tissue perfusion measurements obtained by laser speckle contrast imaging, expressed in perfusion units (PU). Reliability will be assessed using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for repeated measurements under standardized conditions.
Effect of lip retraction method on LSCI perfusion values
Difference in perfusion values (PU) between measurements obtained using a plastic lip retractor and a dental mirror under resting conditions.
Effect of beam angulation on LSCI perfusion values
Difference in perfusion values (PU) between perpendicular and angulated measurements.
Effect of mirror-based indirect imaging on LSCI perfusion values
Difference in perfusion values (PU) between direct and mirror-reflected indirect measurements of the same region of interest.
Effect of heart rate change on LSCI perfusion values
Difference in perfusion values (PU) before and after exercise-induced increase in heart rate.
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