Phantom Tooth Research Articles

Atypical Odontalgia or Phantom Tooth Pain: Current Evidences for Better Understanding, Diagnosis and Management

Atypical Odontalgia or Phantom Tooth Pain: Current Evidences for Better Understanding, Diagnosis and Management

Rs12411980 single-nucleotide polymorphism related to PRTFDC1 expression is significantly associated with phantom tooth pain.

Phantom tooth pain (PTP) is one type of non-odontogenic neuropathic toothache, which rarely occurs after appropriate pulpectomy or tooth extraction. The cause of PTP is unknown. We investigated pain-related genetic factors that are associated with PTP. Four pain-associated genes, including G protein-coupled receptor 158 (GPR158) and phosphoribosyl transferase domain containing 1 (PRTFDC1), are adjacent to each other on the human genome. Some of these four genes or their genomic region may be related to PTP. We statistically analyzed associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genomic region and PTP in patients with PTP (PTP group), other orofacial pain (OFP group), and healthy control subjects. We then performed a database search of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). For the seven SNPs that were significantly associated with PTP even after Bonferroni correction, we focused on the rs12411980 tag SNP (p = 9.42 × 10-4). Statistical analyses of the PTP group and healthy subject groups (group labels: NOC and TD) revealed that the rate of the GG genotype of the rs12411980 SNP was significantly higher in the PTP group than in the healthy subject groups (PTP group vs. NOC group: p = 2.92 × 10-4, PTP group vs. TD group: p = 5.46 × 10-4; percentage of GG: 30% in PTP group, 12% in NOC group, 11% in TD group). These results suggest that the GG genotype of the rs12411980 SNP is more susceptible to PTP. The rs2765697 SNP that is in strong linkage disequilibrium with the rs12411980 SNP is an eQTL that is associated with higher PRTFDC1 expression in the minor allele homozygotes in the healthy subject groups of the rs2765697 SNP. Thus, PRTFDC1 expression similarly increases in the minor allele homozygotes (GG genotype) in the healthy subject groups of the rs12411980 SNP, which would lead to greater susceptibility to PTP.

The effect of cement and impression methods on the marginal and internal adaptation of the current monolithic blocks - 3D scanning evaluation.

This research aimed to evaluate the marginal and internal gaps of crowns, which were produced using both digital and conventional impression techniques and cemented with various types of cement. For the full ceramic crown restoration, an anatomically prepared acrylic first molar phantom tooth (Frasaco GmbH, Germany) was scanned with Scanner S600 ARTI (Zirkonzahn). 160 PMMA analogues produced from the milling unit. Two impression methods were used: digital impressions by intraoral scanner (Aadva Intra Oral 3D Scanner, GC) and PVS impression. Cerasmart, Initial LRF Block, Zirconia Prettau and ICE Zircon monolithic blocks milled with M1 Milling Unit (Zirkonzahn). Restorations cemented with light-cured and dual-cured cements. (n = 10) Pre and post-cementation 3D images overlap was performed using Geomagic Control X (3D Systems, NC, USA). Data were analysed by using SPSS 25.0. p<0.05 difference was considered significant. Digital impressions were significantly higher than PVS impressions in all groups (p<0.05). A significant difference was found between the materials (p<0.05). Cerasmart showed a significantly more marginal gap than the other groups. Prettau and ICE Zircon crowns with the conventional impression group showed a significantly smaller marginal gap than the others. Monolithic crowns fabricated by CAD-CAM using the digital and conventional impression methods had clinically acceptable marginal and internal gaps. Crowns cemented with dual-cured cements showed significantly more marginal gap than light-cure groups. Key words:3D scanning, Marginal accuracy, Marginal fit, Monolithic crown.

Evaluation of Fracture Resistance of Occlusal Veneers Made of Different Types of Materials Depending on Their Thickness.

The aim of this study is to assess the fracture resistance of occlusal veneers made of various materials depending on their thickness. In total, 120 occlusal veneers were examined. The restorations were made of four ceramics: leucite LC (IPS Empress Esthetic), hybrid HC (Vita Enamic), lithium disilicate LDC (IPS e.max Press), and zirconium oxide ZOC (Ceramill Zolid HT). A total of 30 veneers were made of each material, 10 for each of the three thicknesses: 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm. The restorations were cemented on identical abutments duplicated from the developed phantom tooth 35 (KaVo) with composite cement (All Bond Universal). The samples prepared in this way were subjected to a compressive strength test in a universal testing machine. Statistical analysis of the results was performed. The average fracture resistance of occlusal veneers made of zirconium oxide ceramic was 1086-1640 N, of lithium disilicate ceramics 456-1044 N, of hybrid ceramics 449-576 N, and of leucite ceramics 257-499 N. Occlusal veneers made of ceramics, zirconium oxide and lithium disilicate, had the highest resistance to fractures. Restorations made of leucite ceramics turned out to be the least resistant to forces. The greater the thickness of the ceramic occlusal veneers, the greater their fracture resistance.

The rs216009 single-nucleotide polymorphism of the CACNA1C gene is associated with phantom tooth pain.

Phantom tooth pain (PTP) is a rare and specific neuropathic pain that occurs after pulpectomy and tooth extraction, but its cause is not understood. We hypothesized that there is a genetic contribution to PTP. The present study focused on the CACNA1C gene, which encodes the α1C subunit of the Cav1.2 L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) that has been reported to be associated with neuropathic pain in previous studies. We investigated genetic polymorphisms that contribute to PTP. We statistically examined the association between genetic polymorphisms and PTP vulnerability in 33 patients with PTP and 118 patients without PTP but with pain or dysesthesia in the orofacial region. From within and around the CACNA1C gene, 155 polymorphisms were selected and analyzed for associations with clinical data. We found that the rs216009 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the CACNA1C gene in the recessive model was significantly associated with the vulnerability to PTP. Homozygote carriers of the minor C allele of rs216009 had a higher rate of PTP. Nociceptive transmission in neuropathic pain has been reported to involve Ca2+ influx from LTCCs, and the rs216009 polymorphism may be involved in CACNA1C expression, which regulates intracellular Ca2+ levels, leading to the vulnerability to PTP. Furthermore, psychological factors may lead to the development of PTP by modulating the descending pain inhibitory system. Altogether, homozygous C-allele carriers of the rs216009 SNP were more likely to be vulnerable to PTP, possibly through the regulation of intracellular Ca2+ levels and affective pain systems, such as those that mediate fear memory recall.

Counseling on how to brush your teeth on behavior changes in preschool children at ra mnu 36 mutmainah, tegal regency

Background: Dental and oral hygiene for brushing their teeth. Often many parents do not learn and practice their personal hygiene. In this study, counseling was carried out on how to brush teeth on behavior in preschool children. Tooth brushing skills must be taught from an early age, especially preschool children who are in a period of growth and development in order to change behavior from those that are detrimental to their health. Method: The research method is Pre-Experimental Design with the research design used is One group pre-test and post-test control design. There are steps, namely initial observation (O1) or pre-test, counseling (providing intervention), final observation (O2) or post-test, and data analysis. The intervention was given to the respondents using a simulation technique using the phantom tooth Bass method where the researcher would observe for 20 days. Result: The results showed that there was a significant effect indicating the significance value of the Wilcoxon was 0.00 (p &lt; 0.05) Conclusion: There is an effect of counseling on how to brush teeth on behavioral changes in preschool children at RA MNU 36 Mutmainah. Respondents have sufficient skill level as much as 1 person (1.5%).

Current Trends in Fixed Prosthodontics Education in Undergraduate Dental Colleges.

The objective of this study was to explore current trends in undergraduate fixed prosthodontics teaching at undergraduate dental level education. This cross-sectional descriptive study included close-ended questions to inquire about the teaching practices of fixed prosthodontics at Bachelor of Dental Surgery level education. Electronic copies of the survey forms were sent to the heads or directors of department of prosthodontics responsible for undergraduate dental students teaching and learning in various institutes of Sindh by the help of Google forms in December 2020. The form included questions on sociodemographic details and questions inquiring the theoretical and clinical teaching practices in undergraduate fixed prosthodontics course. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 25. Frequency distribution and percentages of categorical variables were recorded. Out of total 18 dental institutes of Sindh, 15 returned the completely filled form, giving a response rate of 83.3%. Seven (46.7%) schools teach various fixed prosthesis in the preclinical years to their students. All 15 colleges carry out didactic teaching and provide exposure by live clinical demonstrations for various fixed prosthesis. Faculty of 12 (80%) dental colleges where fixed prostheses are being constructed in the dental outpatient department mentioned that their students observe or assist the clinical procedures during their clinical rotation; but none of the students fabricate any type of fixed prosthesis in the clinical setting during their undergraduate years. Didactic teaching and live clinical demonstrations of fixed prosthodontics is being carried out in all dental colleges of Sindh. Almost half of the dental schools teach crown preparation on phantom teeth during their preclinical course. Contrary to this, none of the students fabricate any type of fixed prosthesis in the clinical setting during their undergraduate years. As these procedures are not included in the current undergraduate curriculum, recommendations should be forwarded to governing educational body of the country to include cases of fixed prosthesis in their skill set prior to their graduation.

Phantom Tooth pain, is it Often a Trigeminal Neuralgia?

Toothache, buccal pain, facial pains are common presentations in dental clinics. Among them, phantom tooth pain always hits as a trigeminal neuralgia. Though classical picture of trigeminal neuralgia usually does not present with solo toothache, which may sometime masks the whole scenario.

EDUKASI MENYIKAT GIGI DENGAN BENAR SEBAGAI UPAYA PENCEGAHAN GIGI BERLUBANG (KARIES) PADA MURID SD NEGERI 4 SUREN KABUPATEN JEMBER

Brushing teeth is the easiest way to maintain dental and oral health. Elementary school age children have a susceptibility to problems with teeth and mouth. Risk factors that are still driving the high prevalence of dental cavities (caries) in children include: incorrect brushing techniques; inappropriate brushing time and frequency; intake of cariogenic food and drink; low supervision from parents; and the lack of knowledge of children on how to maintain dental and oral health. The problem of cavities in children interferes with the growth and development and attendance of children at school. The purpose of the study: to improve the knowledge and skills of students at SD Negeri 4 Suren on how to brush their teeth properly. Research method: the activity was carried out offline at SD Negeri 4 Suren, on Saturday, August 20, 2022. A series of counseling activities included licensing to the principal of SD Negeri 4 Suren, giving a tooth brushing practice pretest, delivering material verbally assisted by poster media, material in in the form of power points, educational videos, followed by a demonstration of phantom teeth followed by hands-on practice, and giving posttest. Results and conclusions: The pretest results showed 2 out of 10 students answered correctly, while the posttest results showed all students answered the questions correctly. This shows that counseling activities increase students' insight into dental and oral health. Keywords: dental health; caries; Suren Village

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the SLC17A9 and P2RY12 genes are significantly associated with phantom tooth pain.

Phantom tooth pain (PTP) is a rare and specific neuropathic pain that occurs after pulpectomy and tooth extraction, but its cause is not understood. We hypothesized that there is a genetic contribution to PTP. We focused on solute carrier family 17 member 9 (SLC17A9)/vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT) and purinergic receptor P2Y12 (P2RY12), both of which have been associated with neuropathic pain and pain transduction signaling in the trigeminal ganglion in rodents. We sought to corroborate these associations in humans. We investigated gene polymorphisms that contribute to PTP. We statistically examined the association between genetic polymorphisms and PTP vulnerability in 150 patients with orofacial pain, including PTP, and 500 healthy subjects. We found that the rs735055 polymorphism of the SLC17A9 gene and rs3732759 polymorphism of the P2RY12 gene were associated with the development of PTP. Carriers of the minor allele of rs735055 and individuals who were homozygous for the major allele of rs3732759 had a higher rate of PTP. Carriers of the minor allele of rs735055 reportedly had high SLC17A9 mRNA expression in the spinal cord, which may increase the storage and release of adenosine triphosphate. Individuals who were homozygous for the major allele of rs3732759 may have higher P2RY12 expression that is more active in microglia. Therefore, these carriers may be more susceptible to PTP. These results suggest that specific genetic polymorphisms of the SLC17A9 and P2RY12 genes are involved in PTP. This is the first report on genes that are associated with PTP in humans.

ASSESSMENT OF ANGULAR DEVIATIONS OF THE VERTICAL SURFACES OF TEETH STUMPS OBTAINED DURING ODONTOPREPARATION FOR FIXED ORTHOPEDIC STRUCTURES (METAL-CERAMIC AND SOLID CROWNS)

Relevance. Odontoreparation is fundamental to ensure the functional efficiency, high aesthetics and durability of fixed prostheses. At present, with fixed prosthetics of defects in hard tissues of teeth and dentition, various types of artificial crowns are widely used [1][2].Purpose of the study: to determine the angular deviations of the vertical surfaces of molars, prepared by students of the 3rd year. Based on the data obtained, calculate the average value for the group and identify which surfaces of the stump are most prone to errors during odontopreparation.Materials and methods. Frasaco® phantom teeth (mandibular molars) were used as research materials. Preparation for metal-ceramic crowns was carried out according to the traditional method by thirteen third-year students of the Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia. In this work, 6° was taken as the optimal angle of convergence of the vertical walls (3° on each of the two opposite surfaces). During the preparation, a fissure bur d = 1.6 mm was used.Conclusion. The average time spent on preparation is quite long, which indicates an insufficient level of manual skills. The revealed phenomena of wall divergence also indicate that the preparation skills are insufficient. In addition, divergence was found mainly on the distal surface, which is explained by more difficult access and limited visibility of the prepared surface.

ASSESSMENT OF ANGULAR DEVIATIONS OF THE VERTICAL SURFACES OF TEETH STUMPS OBTAINED DURING ODONTOPREPARATION FOR FIXED ORTHOPEDIC STRUCTURES (METAL-CERAMIC AND SOLID CROWNS)

Relevance . Odontoreparation is fundamental to ensure the functional efficiency, high aesthetics and durability of fixed prostheses. At present, with fixed prosthetics of defects in hard tissues of teeth and dentition, various types of artificial crowns are widely used [1, 2]. Purpose of the study : to determine the angular deviations of the vertical surfaces of molars, prepared by students of the 3rd year. Based on the data obtained, calculate the average value for the group and identify which surfaces of the stump are most prone to errors during odontopreparation. Materials and methods. Frasaco ® phantom teeth (mandibular molars) were used as research materials. Preparation for metal-ceramic crowns was carried out according to the traditional method by thirteen third-year students of the Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia. In this work, 6° was taken as the optimal angle of convergence of the vertical walls (3° on each of the two opposite surfaces). During the preparation, a fissure bur d = 1.6 mm was used. Conclusion. The average time spent on preparation is quite long, which indicates an insufficient level of manual skills. The revealed phenomena of wall divergence also indicate that the preparation skills are insufficient. In addition, divergence was found mainly on the distal surface, which is explained by more difficult access and limited visibility of the prepared surface.

COVID-19-Related Anxiety among Dental Students in Two Dental Schools in Saudi Arabia.

Background:Dentistry can be an overstressed career. Dentists come across countless routes of stress in dental schools. Onset foot in clinical training, they can find that the number and type of stressors often grow. Dental students encounter high levels of academic stress, which can adversely influence them from their study years working with phantom teeth through their preclinical and clinical practice years. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the world population to a high risk of infection that comprises a major stress factor, especially for vulnerable groups such as dental students.Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the levels of COVID-19-related stress and anxiety, changes in hygienic and social habits, as well as subjective worries regarding the dental profession among dental students.Materials and Methods:A self-structured questionnaire was sent to dental students of two dental schools in the city of Jeddah. It included demographic data, questions about the level of change in personal hygiene and social habits, students' perception about the sufficiency of information received during the outbreak and its source, subjective worries regarding the dental profession, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item Scale. Three hundred and eight responses were received.Results:Moderate and severe anxieties were reported in 41% and 7% of students, respectively. About 57% of respondents agreed to continue e-learning in the theoretical part only, 1% for the clinical part only, 32% in both, and 10% were not interested in continuing e-learning. Most of the students reported that they received excellent information about COVID-19 during the outbreak, with social media as the main source of information for the majority, followed by the Health Department. A significant number of dentists (66%) wanted to temporarily shut their dental practices until the number of COVID-19 case rates reduces considerably.Conclusion:A considerable percentage of dental students are anxious and changed their hygienic and social habits due to COVID-19. This anxiety reflects worries about the dental profession in one-third of participants that necessitate counseling services and psychological support.

Determination of the Whitening Effect of Toothpastes on Human Teeth

Objective: The desire of individuals to have whiter teeth increases the interest in tooth whitening products. Our aim was to in vitro study the whitening effect of hydrogen peroxide, blue covarine and active charcoal containing whitening toothpastes on human teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 extracted human incisor teeth were used in the study. To measure the whitening effect of toothpastes, the teeth were divided into four subgroups and placed in the phantom tooth jaw model. Then, daily brushing was done with an electric toothbrush. The colors of the teeth were measured initially using the spectrophotometer (single point and bleached shade mode) and at the end of 7th, 14th and 28th days. Whitening effectiveness of toothpastes were studied according to CIEDE2000 formula (∆E00) and shade guide units (SGU). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey test were used in the statistical analysis of the data. (p&lt;0.05). Results: Activated charcoal containing toothpaste showed the greatest whitening effect at the end of 7th, 14th and 28th days (p&lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the whitening effects of hydrogen peroxide and conventional toothpaste (p&gt;0.05). Blue covarine containing toothpaste had statistically the lowest whitening effect (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: All toothpastes showed a whitening effect on the teeth after 7 days of use. Activated charcoal containing toothpaste showed more whitening effect after 28 days of use than hydrogen peroxide, blue covarine and traditional toothpaste.

ANALYSIS OF ANGULAR DEVIATIONS IN ODONTOPREPARATION OF TEETH FOR ORTHOPEDIC STRUCTURES

Odontoreparation is fundamental to ensure the functional efficiency, high aesthetics and durability of fixed prostheses. At present, with fixed prosthetics of defects in hard tissues of teeth and dentition, various types of artificial crowns are widely used [1, 2]. Purpose of the study: to determine the angular deviations of the vertical surfaces of molars, prepared by students of the 3rd year. Based on the data obtained, calculate the average value for the group and identify which surfaces of the stump are most prone to errors during odontopreparation. Materials and methods. Frasaco® phantom teeth (mandibular molars) were used as research materials. Preparation for metal-ceramic crowns was carried out according to the traditional method by thirteen third-year students of the Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia. In this work, 6° was taken as the optimal angle of convergence of the vertical walls (3° on each of the two opposite surfaces). During the preparation, a fissure bur d = 1,6 mm was used. Conclusion. The average time spent on preparation is quite long, which indicates an insufficient level of manual skills. The revealed phenomena of wall divergence also indicate that the preparation skills are insufficient. In addition, divergence was found mainly on the distal surface, which is explained by more difficult access and limited visibility of the prepared surface.

Can polylactic acid be a CAD/CAM material for provisional crown restorations in terms of fit and fracture strength?

This study aimed to evaluate polylactic acid (PLA) as a provisional crown material. Lower right first molar phantom tooth was used for the fabrication of 60 crowns. Samples were divided into three groups (n=20) according to the material: Group PL (PLA), Group PM (polymethyl methacrylate), and Group PE (polyetheretherketone). Each group was investigated for internal and marginal fit, fracture strength, and fracture mode. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, chi-squared test, and Tukey's tests (p≤0.05). The average marginal gap value of each group was: PE 56.00±4.67 µm, PM 61.15±4.44 µm, and PL 60.40±2.85 µm (p<0.001). The average internal gap value for each group was: PE 128.90±8.39 µm, PM 132.40±7.51 µm, and PL 130.75±9.76 µm (p=0.442). The average fracture strength of each group was: PE 840.90±13.23 N, PM 733.30±9.00 N, and PL 664.50±10.79 N (p<0.001). Results demonstrated that PLA may be a good option as a provisional crown material.

Evaluating the stress-response of dental students to the dental school environment.

Introduction and ObjectiveDentists experience high amounts of professional stress beginning with their student years in dental school. This stress, given its early onset, may negatively impact the personal and professional lives of these individuals, as well as the quality of their clinical work. We sought to create an objective scale to evaluate the levels of stress in students at different stages of their education, as well as in practicing physicians.Materials and MethodsThirty dental students participated in this study, with 10 students each selected from junior, mid-senior, and senior classes. They were randomly divided into two groups in which one group was subjected to stressors while the other group was not. JINS MEME ES_R (JINS) smart glasses and Garmin Vivoactive 3 smartwatches were used to obtain data, including electrooculography (EOG), heart rate (HR), and accelerometer (ACC) and gyroscope (GYRO) feedback, while the subjects performed a dental exercise on a phantom tooth.ResultsThe heart rates of more experienced students were lower than those of the junior students. The EOG, ACC, and GYRO signals showed multiple differences in the measurement of amplitudes and frequency of episodes.ConclusionOur pilot results show that electronic tools, like smart glasses with software and sensors, are useful for monitoring the stress levels of dental students in preclinical operating conditions. We would like to further assess the stress levels in students performing dental procedures on phantom teeth and in later clinical interactions with patients.

Atypical odontalgia: pathophysiology, diagnosis and management

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Atypical odontalgia, a subtype of persistent idiopathic facial pain, is characterized by continuous pain in one tooth or more, or inside the alveolus after exodontia, with no apparent clinical causes. These patients run the risk of going through unnecessary dental/surgical procedures which would worsen their pain. Since the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of atypical odontalgia are not clear, this article aims to present an integrative literature review about these aspects. CONTENTS: A review of articles related to the topic was conducted on the Pubmed database using the keywords “atypical odontalgia” OR “phantom tooth pain” OR “idiopathic tooth pain” OR “odontalgia” OR “odontalgias” OR “atypical toothache”. Applying the inclusion criteria (publications in the last ten years, in English, as clinical trials, multicenter studies, case reports, reviews, integrative and systematic reviews, 114 articles were found, and 39 were selected after the application of the exclusion criteria (articles with no relation to the topic). CONCLUSION: Although studies suggest the involvement of strong neuropathic mechanism, the psychological/psychiatric aspects might be considered not as a primary cause, but as an aggravator of the patient´s pain. Knowledge of other pathologies is recommended in order to determine the differential diagnosis. Also, complementary image tests, qualitative somatosensorial test, and reference to an orofacial pain specialist should be considered. In case of uncertain diagnosis, it is recommended to avoid any dental procedures because the pain can get worse.

A Novel Method for Characterizing Beam Hardening Artifacts in Cone-beam Computed Tomographic Images

IntroductionThe beam hardening (BH) artifact produced by root filling materials in cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images is influenced by their radiologic K absorption edge values. The purpose of this study was to describe a novel technique to characterize BH artifacts in CBCT images produced by 3 root canal filling materials and to evaluate the effects of a zirconium (Zr)-based root filling material with a lower K edge (17.99 keV) on the production of BH artifacts. MethodsThe palatal root canals of 3 phantom model teeth were prepared and root filled with gutta-percha (GP), a Zr root filling material, and calcium hydroxide paste. Each phantom tooth was individually imaged using the CS 9000 CBCT unit (Carestream, Atlanta, GA). The “light” and “dark” components of the BH artifacts were quantified separately using ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) in 3 regions of the root. Mixed-design analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences in the artifact area for the light and dark elements of the BH artifacts. ResultsA statistically significant difference in the area of the dark portion of the BH artifact was found between all fill materials and in all regions of the phantom tooth root (P < .05). GP generated a significantly greater dark but not light artifact area compared with Zr (P < .05). Moreover, statistically significant differences between the areas of both the light and dark artifacts were observed within all regions of the tooth root, with the greatest artifact being generated in the coronal third of the root (P < .001). ConclusionsRoot canal filling materials with lower K edge material properties reduce BH artifacts along the entire length of the root canal and reduce the contribution of the dark artifact.

디지털 X선 영상을 이용한 치아 와동 컴퓨터 보조 검출 시스템 연구

Segmentation is one of the first steps in most diagnosis systems for characterization of dental caries in an early stage. The purpose of automatic dental cavity detection system is helping dentist to make more precise diagnosis. We proposed the semi-automatic method for the segmentation of dental caries on digital x-ray images. Based on a manually and roughly selected ROI (Region of Interest), it calculated the contour for the dental cavity. A snake algorithm which is one of active contour models repetitively refined the initial contour and self-examination and correction on the segmentation result. Seven phantom tooth from incisor to molar were made for the evaluation of the developed algorithm. They contained a different form of cavities and each phantom tooth has two dental cavities. From 14 dental cavities, twelve cavities were accurately detected including small cavities. And two cavities were segmented partly. It demonstrates the practical feasibility of the dental lesion detection using Computer-aided Detection (CADe).