Abstract
PurposeDetermination of intra-oral surface areas might contribute to our understanding of the physiology of the oral cavity and oral diseases. In previous studies, the intra-oral surface area was determined using a laborious and technically challenging method. Our aim was to develop an easy and non-invasive method to determine the intra-oral surface areas.MethodsIn this study, we used cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and digital analysis in 20 human cadavers to determine various intra-oral surface areas, based on digital segmentation. Next, we explored whether there was a relationship between various intra-oral surface areas and anthropometric measurements of the head using Pearson correlation coefficient.ResultsUsing CBCT and digital analysis, it was possible to determine various intra-oral surface areas. On average, the total intra-oral surface area was 173 ± 19 cm2. Moderate, statistical significant correlations were observed between (1) the length of the head and the palatal surface area, as well as (2) the depth of the head and the surface area of the tongue. These correlations suggest the feasibility of estimating intra-oral surface areas without relying on CBCT imaging.ConclusionsThis study presents a technique for measuring the intra-oral surface areas by CBCT imaging in combination with digital analysis. The results of this study suggest that anthropometric measurements of the head might be used to estimate the surface areas of the palate and tongue.
Highlights
Knowledge of the integrity and anatomy of the intra-oral surface areas, including the oral mucosa, contributes to a better understanding of the physiology of the mouth and the oral health [23]
This study presents a technique for measuring the intra-oral surface areas by cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging in combination with digital analysis
The results of this study suggest that anthropometric measurements of the head might be used to estimate the surface areas of the palate and tongue
Summary
Knowledge of the integrity and anatomy of the intra-oral surface areas, including the oral mucosa, contributes to a better understanding of the physiology of the mouth and the oral health [23]. The intra-oral surfaces are covered by a salivary film, which moistens the oral cavity [3, 24] In this light, the size of the intra-oral surface area has previously been measured to determine the distribution and average thickness of the salivary film covering the teeth and oral mucosa [8, 19, 29]. The size of the intra-oral surface area has previously been measured to determine the distribution and average thickness of the salivary film covering the teeth and oral mucosa [8, 19, 29] For this reason, dental impressions were made of all structures (including hard and soft tissue) inside the oral cavity.
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