The use of digital dental photography in an Eastern European country

Aims. To assess the use of digital photography in dentistry and its relation with the professional experience of the dental practitioners in Romania. Methods. An anonymous questionnaire including eight questions was distributed online to collect information on the use of dental photography. Results. 84.84% of the respondents were using a photographic equipment in their clinical practice. Regarding the type of photographic equipment used, 51.79% of the participants indicated DSLR cameras, 44.05% smartphones, 2.38% compact cameras and 1.78% other devices for taking clinical images. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between the experience of the practitioners and the use of dental photography, type of equipment and protocol used. Conclusions. Respondents with more than 10 years of experience were more likely to use digital photography in their practice than those with less experience. Most of the digital photography users with more than 10 years of experience were taking images with a DSLR Camera (65.52%) followed by 31.04% smartphone users. Conversely, 56.42% of the clinical photography users with less than 5 years of experience mainly preferred a smartphone device and 41.02% a DSLR Camera.

Accuracy of Dental Photography: Professional vs. Smartphone’s Camera

There is a scant literature on the accuracy of dental photographs captured by Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) and smartphone cameras. The aim was to compare linear measurements of plaster models photographed with DSLR and smartphone’s camera with digital models. Thirty maxillary casts were prepared. Vertical and horizontal reference lines were marked on each tooth, with exception to molars. Then, models were scanned with the TRIOS 3 Basic intraoral dental scanner (control). Six photographs were captured for each model: one using DSLR camera (Canon EOS 700D) and five with smartphone (iPhone X) (distance range 16-32 cm). Teeth heights and widths were measured on scans and photographs. The following conclusions could be drawn: (1) the measurements of teeth by means of DSLR and smartphone cameras (at distances of at least 24 cm) and scan did not differ. (2) The measurements of anterior teeth by means of DSLR and smartphone cameras (at all distances tested) and scan exhibited no difference. For documentational purposes, the distortion is negligeable, and both camera devices can be applied. Dentists can rely on DSLR and smartphone cameras (at distances of at least 24 cm) for smile designs providing comparable and reliable linear measurements.

Surgical treatm ent of dento maxillary anomalies class III angle. Clinical case

Dento-maxillary anomalies are relatively widespread among the population, eventually leading to serious psychological and lifestyle deterioration. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the complex orthodontic-surgical treatment in the dento-maxillary anomaly class III Angle. We aim to present the clinical case of a female patient suffering from skeletal third-class, gnathic form, who came to „Omni Dent” clinic in order to complete the second stage of associate orthodontic and surgical treatment. Medical investigations: OPG, CBCT, TRG, digital scanning, dental photography, digital programs, used at collecting data for virtual planning, establishing a complex diagnosis and choosing the best surgical technique for this case, subsequently, with the transfer of the virtual plan in the operating room through surgical guides and occlusal splints. Postoperatively, there was an obvious improvement of the facial appearance, supported by the comparison of pre- and postoperative cephalometric indices: SNA (from 76,6° to 84°), SNB (from 80,6° to 78,8°), ANB (from -4° to 5,2°), Wits (from -9,6° to 0°). Early diagnosis and detailed planning by using modern methods of examination may ensure an efficient rehabilitation of patients suffering from dento-maxillary anomalies.

Clinical Application Of Dental Photography By A Dentist

"One picture is worth a thousand words" - Frederic Bernard Currently, many dentists use a camera in their daily practice, turning into photographers for a while. In aesthetic dentistry, the main tool for diagnosis and communication is the art and practice of obtaining a photo. The use of dental photography is the standard of modern dental treatment, since photographs of the results of treatment facilitate understanding of the features of dental intervention. And most importantly, visualization increases the motivation of the patient and promotes the establishment of friendly relations between him and the doctor.

Dental Record Keeping by General Dental Practitioners in Lahore

Objective: of this study is to analyze the behavior/attitude of general dental practitioners towards record keeping and quality assessment of patient records found in different dental practices of Lahore. Study design: Cross sectional, Descriptive, Questionnaire based study (Copy of questionnaire attached). Place and Duration of Study: Data collection for this study was conducted in different private dental practices of Lahore from Oct-2017 to Dec-2017. Methods; A random sample of 60 dental practices were selected by means of stratified sampling from different towns of Lahore. Dentists were interviewed and patient records were checked for data collection which is analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Interview of 43 dentists and analysis of patient records from their practices revealed that 16 (37.2%) practices have no record at all and even none of the remaining 27 (62.8%) practices. Who claim to have patient records, has any properly completed record. Shows that dentists have got very casual behavior towards record keeping as most of them were not having any records and the remaining ones who claimed to have patient records, were maintaining them in a very poor form. Conclusion: Female dentists, postgraduates and dentists working in group practices and affluent areas were found to have relatively more tendency towards record keeping. Recommendation; Dentist training institutes and health implementing authorities are the main areas which need to be stressed upon for improvement of record keeping. Keywords: (MESH) Record keeping, Dental photography, Dentist, Post-graduate, Health authorities, Affluent areas.

DIGITAL DENTAL PHOTOGRAPHY – THE TOOL OF NECESSITY

Photography in dentistry has revolutionized diagnosis, treatment planning, marketing and communication between the patient, dentist and the dental lab technicians. With the advancements digital photography has implied on dentistry, the craftsmanship of the practitioners are touching new grounds for education, self-improvement and documentation. Through this article, we intend to broaden the knowledge on technicality behind digital photography and how the same can be used in dentistry. We have attempted to solve the enigma of choosing the camera and its lens and other accessories that are necessary to achieve professional results and have also highlighted about the next big leap in accessible photography, the smartphone camera.