Thermographic assessment of temporomandibular disorders symptomology during orthodontic treatment.

Thermographic assessment of temporomandibular disorders symptomology during orthodontic treatment.
McBeth SB, Gratt BM.

Source
University of California, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, USA.

Abstract
The relationship between orthodontic treatment and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms has been the focus of many subjective studies. Objective studies are now needed. Electronic thermography (ET) has shown promise as an objective tool for assessing temporomandibular disorders. Clinical TMD examinations and ET were performed on 21 control subjects, 18 subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment, and 20 subjects with TMD pain. Standardized blinded clinical examinations that used algometry were conducted. Data were analyzed to determine the usefulness of ET as an objective measure of TMD symptoms. The ET alone identified the subjects with painful clicking TMD with a sensitivity of 87%. Subjects with no painful clicking (controls) were identified with a specificity of 86%. The ET findings also had a strong correlation with pain to muscle palpation. This study indicates that ET shows promise as an objective tool for selecting normal subjects from subjects with TMD symptoms. The ET could prove to be valuable in accessing the relationship between orthodontic treatment and TMD symptoms in future longitudinal studies.

Infrared thermography. Its role in dental research with particular reference to craniomandibular disorders.

Infrared thermography. Its role in dental research with particular reference to craniomandibular disorders. 

Biagioni PA, Longmore RB, McGimpsey JG, Lamey PJ.
 
Source
School of Clinical Dentistry, Queen's University of Belfast, UK.

Abstract
The use of infrared thermography in dentistry has been minimal, principally due to technological inadequacies of previous thermal imaging systems. However, with the ever-developing advancement in technology, current systems are capable of producing real-time, highly sensitive digitized thermal images. This development has led to an increased use of infrared imaging within both medical and dental research. The present paper describes these techniques and their previous applications within dentistry, and, through the use of a pilot study, highlights possible future applications in the assessment of craniomandibular disorders.