Optimization of Image Capture Distance for Facial Thermograms in Dentistry

Abstract

Thermography has not yet been validated for the screening of oral disorders and no clear guidelines or methodology for this purpose have been defined in the literature. The current pilot study was aimed as an initial step to evaluate the influence of shooting distances on the detection of the temperature asymmetries on the face for the purpose of dental thermography. Facial thermograms were taken in three views at three shooting distances for each participant. The mean temperature of the overall image and at the region of interest (ROI) were measured from the analysis software. Thirty adult volunteers participated in this study [n = 30, mean age: 25.8 ± 6.0]. The differences between the mean temperature values at the ROI for all different shooting distances within each profile view were statistically significant [Front: H(2) = 80.176, p < 0.001; Left: H(2) = 21.399, p < 0.001; Right: H(2) = 49.451, p < 0.001]. The mean ROI temperature was influenced by personal effects (p < 0.001), medications (p < 0.001), undergoing dental treatments (p < 0.001) as well as the consumption of food (p < 0.001). This study concludes that the detection of temperature asymmetries on the face in adult volunteers are affected by the capture distance as well as factors such as medication, oral-care, and alimentation. Therefore, it is advised that personal as well as medical histories are obtained in detail prior to making the facial thermograms.