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Electronic thermography of normal facial structures: a pilot study
B M Gratt1, A Pullinger, E A Sickles
1Section of Oral Radiology, UCLA School of Dentistry.
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, and Oral Pathology
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Electronic thermography shows high facial thermal symmetry in normal subjects, indicating potential as a dental diagnostic tool. This study evaluated thermal patterns for routine clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Medical Imaging
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Electronic thermography instruments are emerging for clinical use.
- Their diagnostic potential in dentistry requires thorough evaluation.
- Assessing facial thermal symmetry is crucial for understanding normal physiological patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic potential of new electronic thermographic instruments in dentistry.
- To assess facial and neck thermal symmetry in healthy individuals.
- To establish baseline thermal patterns for future diagnostic applications.
Main Methods:
- Twenty healthy subjects underwent frontal and lateral electronic thermography.
- Thermal symmetry was analyzed using a grid matching technique under controlled conditions.
- Evaluations were performed at 1.0°C and 0.5°C sensitivity across 12 facial/neck regions and the overall face.
Main Results:
- High overall facial thermal symmetry was observed (70.2%).
- Specific regions like the anterior neck (82.0%) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) (80.0%) showed significant symmetry.
- The temporal region (46.7%) and posterior neck (44.2%) exhibited lower thermal symmetry.
Conclusions:
- Normal subjects generally display high thermal symmetry across most facial areas.
- Electronic thermography shows promise as a non-invasive diagnostic aid in dentistry.
- Further research is warranted to explore its clinical applications in dental diagnostics.