ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study assessed the intensity of artifacts produced by 2 metal posts, 2 cements, and different exposure parameters using 2 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) units. Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of 20 single-rooted premolars, divided into 4 groups: Ni-Cr/zinc phosphate, Ni-Cr/resin cement, Ag-Pd/zinc phosphate, and Ag-Pd/resin cement. Samples were scanned before and after post insertion and cementation using a CS9000 3D scanner with 4 exposure parameters (85/90 kV and 6.3/10 mA) and an i-CAT scanner with 120 kV and 5 mA. The presence of artifacts was assessed subjectively by 2 observers and objectively by a trained observer using ImageJ software. The Mann-Whitney, Wilcoxon, weighted kappa, and chi-square tests were used to assess data at a 95% confidence level (α<0.05). Results: In the subjective analyses, AgPd presented more hypodense and hyperdense lines than NiCr (P<0.05), and more hypodense halos were found using i-CAT (P<0.05) than using CS9000 3D. More hypodense halos, hypodense lines, and hyperdense lines were observed at 10 mA than at 6.3 mA (P<0.05). More hypodense halos were observed at 85 kV than at 90 kV (P<0.05). CS9000 3D presented more hypodense and hyperdense lines than i-CAT (P<0.05). In the objective analyses, AgPd presented higher percentages of hyperdense and hypodense artifacts than NiCr (P<0.05). Zinc phosphate cement presented higher hyperdense artifact percentages on CS9000 3D scans (P<0.05). CS9000 3D presented higher artifact percentages than i-CAT (P<0.05). Conclusion: High-atomic-number alloys, higher tube current, and lower tube voltage may increase the artifacts present in CBCT images.
ABSTRACT
A termografia infravermelha consiste em um exame de imagem complementar aplicada na avaliação da temperatura corporal com base na emissão de radiação infravermelha através da pele, podendo auxiliar no diagnóstico ou monitoramento das intervenções terapêuticas. Trata-se de uma técnica não ionizante e não invasiva que capta e registra a distribuição térmica da superfície cutânea avaliada por meio das alterações na microcirculação dos pacientes frente a diferentes condições patológicas. Dentre as aplicações na Odontologia, a termografia pode complementar o exame físico anatômico, visto que apresenta em tempo real condições fisiológicas, de acordo com a temperatura. Esta técnica pode auxiliar no diagnóstico e planejamento do tratamento de alterações orofaciais, como processos inflamatórios e infecciosos na região orofacial, acompanhamento pós-cirúrgico e na avaliação de pacientes com desordens temporomandibulares (DTM). A termografia ainda é pouco utilizada na Odontologia, e protocolos para avaliação de alterações na região de cabeça e pescoço ainda devem ser testados e estabelecidos. Porém, já mostra ser um exame complementar de boa performance na detecção de pontos gatilho da dor, acompanhamento de pacientes de forma não invasiva e como documentação médico-legal.
Infrared thermography consists of a complementary imaging test applied to the assessment of body temperature based on the emission of infrared radiation through the skin, which may aid in the diagnosis or monitoring of therapeutic interventions. It is a non-ionizing and non-invasive technique that captures and records the thermal distribution of the cutaneous surface evaluated by means of the changes in the patients' microcirculation in face of different pathological conditions. Among the applications in Dentistry, thermography can complement the anatomical physical examination, since it presents in real time physiological conditions according to temperature. This technique can help in the diagnosis and planning of the treatment of orofacial alterations, such as inflammatory and infectious processes in the orofacial region, post-surgical follow-up and in the routine evaluation of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Thermography is still poorly used in Dentistry and protocols for the evaluation of head and neck disorders have yet to be tested and established. However, it already shows up as a good complementary examination for the detection of pain trigger points, follow-up of patients in a non-invasive way, and as medical-legal documentation.
