Application of intraoral scanners in dental health guidance

• Published in: Journal of Osaka Dental University Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. 245 - 250
• Main Authors: TANI Akina, HIGUCHI Shizuo, KAKIMOTO Kazutoshi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 大阪歯科学会 25.10.2021; Osaka Odontological Society
• Subjects: Basic periodontal treatment; Dental health guidance; Intraoral scanner
• ISSN: 0475-2058; 2189-6488
• DOI: 10.18905/jodu.55.2_245

It remains unclear whether changes in periodontal tissue can be quantified and visualized using an intraoral scanner (IOS). We collected basic data on the reproducibility of recorded periodontal tissue data in the oral environment, visualized and quantified the gingival changes, and applied an IOS to the clinical practice of basic periodontal treatment and dental health guidance. In a previous study we measured the gingival regions of complete dentures to confirm the recording accuracy of the IOS and examined the possibility of quantifying and visualizing changes in the gingival condition. Participants in this study were two Osaka Dental University faculty members and one graduate student. Their oral cavities were recorded three times using an IOS. A 0.11 mm thick oral mucosal patch was then placed at 12 locations on the gingiva, and three recordings were conducted. Data recorded by the IOS were exported to stereolithography (STL) file format, and deviations between each recording in the same subject were then determined using three‐dimensional inspection software. Although errors occurred in areas where the operation of the IOS was difficult, high‐precision recordings were possible elsewhere. Changes in the gingival shape could be visualized and quantified with high precision, as could the thickness of the oral mucosal patch. The shape of the oral mucosal patch was visualized by superimposing the records before and after its application. These findings suggest that even in the oral cavity, an IOS can accurately record, visualize, and quantify changes in the gingiva. (J Osaka Dent Univ 2021; 55: 245‐250)