Application of thermography in dentistry--visualization of temperature distribution on oral tissues.

Application of thermography in dentistry--visualization of temperature distribution on oral tissues.

Komoriyama M, Nomoto R, Tanaka R, Hosoya N, Gomi K, Iino F, Yashima A, Takayama Y, Tsuruta M,

Tokiwa H, Kawasaki K, Arai T, Hosoi T, Hirashita A, Hirano S.; Department of Dental Engineering,

Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, 2-1-3 Tsurumi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan.

The purpose of this study was to devise and propose appropriate conditions for the photographing of

thermal images in the oral cavity and to evaluate which thermography techniques can be applied to

dentistry by evaluating the differences in temperature among oral tissues. Thermal images of oral cavities

of 20 volunteers in normal oral condition were taken according to the guidelines of the Japanese Society

of Thermography, with five added items for oral observation. The use of a mirror made it possible to take

thermal images of the posterior portion or palate. Teeth, free gingiva, attached gingiva and alveolar

mucosa were identified on thermal images. There were differences in temperature between teeth, free

gingiva, attached gingiva and alveolar mucosa. These were nearly in agreement with the anatomical

view. Thermography need no longer be restricted to the anterior portion using a mirror, and can

now be applied to the dental region.