Evaluating the precision and accuracy of digital dental models with a low-cost structured light device

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the accuracy and precision of digital models acquisition using a home-built, low-cost scanning system based on the structured light method. Methods: a plaster model (PM) was scanned using the experimental device (SL) and a dental desktop scanner (DS). The teeth dimensions of PM and SL models were measured in triplicate, with a caliper and digitally, respectively. The agreement of the measurements of each model was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient, and the validity between the different measurement techniques was assessed using the Bland-Altman analysis. The accuracy and precision of the models were qualitatively investigated using the mesh superposition of the SL and DS models. Results: A high intraclass correlation coefficient was observed in all models (PM=0.964; SL1=0.998; SL2=0.995; SL3=0.998), and there was no statistical difference between the measurements of the SL models (p>0.05). PM and SL model measurements were found to be in good agreement, with only 3.57% of the observed differences between the same measurement being located outside 95% limits of agreement according to Bland and Altman (0.43 and -0.40 mm). In the superimpositions of SL-SL and SL-DS models, areas of discrepancy greater than 0.5 mm were observed mainly in interproximal, occlusal, and cervical sites. Conclusion: These results indicate that the home-built SL scanning system did not possess sufficient accuracy and precision for many clinical applications. However, the consistency in preserving the dental proportions suggests that the equipment can be used for planning, storage, and simple clinical purposes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo avaliou a acurácia e a precisão da aquisição de modelos digitais utilizando um sistema de digitalização caseiro e de baixo custo baseado no método de luz estruturada. Material e Métodos: Para isso, um modelo de gesso (MG) foi digitalizado utilizando o dispositivo experimental (LE) e um scanner dental de mesa (SD). As dimensões dos dentes dos modelos MG e LE foram medidas em triplicata com um paquímetro e digitalmente, respectivamente. A concordância das medidas de cada modelo foi avaliada usando o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse, e a validade entre as diferentes técnicas de medição foi avaliada usando a análise de Bland-Altman. A acurácia e a precisão dos modelos foram investigadas qualitativamente usando a sobreposição de malhas dos modelos LE e SD. Resultados: Um alto coeficiente de correlação intraclasse foi observado em todos os modelos (MG=0,964; LE1=0,998; LE2=0,995; LE3=0,998) e não houve diferença estatística entre as medições dos modelos LE (p>0,05). As medições dos modelos MG e LE mostraram boa concordância, com apenas 3,57% das diferenças observadas entre as mesmas medições localizadas fora dos limites de concordância de 95% de acordo com a análise de Bland-Altman (0,43 e -0,40 mm). Nas sobreposições dos modelos LE-LE e LE-SD, foram observadas áreas de discrepância maiores que 0,5 mm principalmente nos sítios interproximais, oclusais e cervicais. Conclusões: Esses resultados indicam que o sistema de digitalização por luz estruturada caseiro não possui precisão e acurácia suficientes para muitas aplicações clínicas. No entanto, a consistência na preservação das proporções dentárias sugere que o equipamento pode ser usado para planejamento, armazenamento e propósitos clínicos simples.

Antioxidant therapy enhances pulpal healing in bleached teeth

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histopathological effects of an antioxidant therapy on the pulp tissue of rat teeth exposed to a bleaching gel with 35% hydrogen peroxide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were subjected to oral ingestion by gavage of distilled water (DW) or ascorbic acid (AA) 90 min before the bleaching therapy. For the bleaching treatment, the agent was applied twice for 5 min each to buccal surfaces of the first right mandibular molars. Then, the animals were sacrificed at 6 hr, 24 hr, 3 day, or 7 day post-bleaching, and the teeth were processed for microscopic evaluation of the pulp tissue. RESULTS: At 6 hr, the pulp tissue showed moderate inflammatory reactions in all teeth of both groups. In the DW and AA groups, 100% and 80% of teeth exhibited pulp tissue with significant necrosis and intense tissue disorganization, respectively. At 24 hr, the AA-treated group demonstrated a greater regenerative capability than the DW group, with less intense inflammatory reaction and new odontoblast layer formation in 60% of the teeth. For up to the 7 day period, the areas of pulpal necrosis were replaced by viable connective tissue, and the dentin was underlined by differentiated odontoblast-like cells in most teeth of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: A slight reduction in initial pulpal damage during post-bleaching was promoted by AA therapy. However, the pulp tissue of AA-treated animals featured faster regenerative potential over time.

Antioxidant therapy enhances pulpal healing in bleached teeth

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histopathological effects of an antioxidant therapy on the pulp tissue of rat teeth exposed to a bleaching gel with 35% hydrogen peroxide. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were subjected to oral ingestion by gavage of distilled water (DW) or ascorbic acid (AA) 90 min before the bleaching therapy. For the bleaching treatment, the agent was applied twice for 5 min each to buccal surfaces of the first right mandibular molars. Then, the animals were sacrificed at 6 hr, 24 hr, 3 day, or 7 day post-bleaching, and the teeth were processed for microscopic evaluation of the pulp tissue. RESULTS: At 6 hr, the pulp tissue showed moderate inflammatory reactions in all teeth of both groups. In the DW and AA groups, 100% and 80% of teeth exhibited pulp tissue with significant necrosis and intense tissue disorganization, respectively. At 24 hr, the AA-treated group demonstrated a greater regenerative capability than the DW group, with less intense inflammatory reaction and new odontoblast layer formation in 60% of the teeth. For up to the 7 day period, the areas of pulpal necrosis were replaced by viable connective tissue, and the dentin was underlined by differentiated odontoblast-like cells in most teeth of both groups. CONCLUSIONS: A slight reduction in initial pulpal damage during post-bleaching was promoted by AA therapy. However, the pulp tissue of AA-treated animals featured faster regenerative potential over time.