The use of smartphones in radiographic diagnosis: accuracy on the detection of marginal gaps.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of computer monitor and smartphone screen for radiographic diagnosis of marginal gap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty teeth with mesial-occlusal-distal inlays (each tooth with a perfect fit and a 0.4-mm marginal gap restoration) were imaged with a phosphor plate system. Original digital radiographs were exported and analyzed with two different methods: computer monitor and smartphone screen; for the last method, images were shared with WhatsApp. Three examiners assessed all radiographs (n = 160) for the presence of marginal gap by using a dichotomous scale (yes/no). Diagnostic performance of each examiner and viewing method was evaluated by means of sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), and overall accuracy (Ac). Difference between the frequencies of gap detection of each method was analyzed using the McNemar test. Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were calculated using kappa statistics. RESULTS: Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were ≥ 0.80 for both methods. Similar diagnostic performance was found for computer monitor (Se = 0.87-1; Sp = 0.8-0.97; Ac = 0.84-0.99) and smartphone (Se = 0.77-1; Sp = 0.87-1; Ac = 0.88-0.95) viewing methods. No statistically significant differences in the frequency of gap detection were observed between the methods (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Diagnostic accuracy of smartphone screens was similar to that of computer monitor for marginal gap detection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Smartphones are becoming a common daily tool. In this sense, it might be an important new aid in Dentistry, including radiographic evaluation, which could benefit patients and dentists.

Diagnostic reproducibility of temporomandibular joint using magnetic resonance imaging at 05 and 15 Tesla

Magnetic resonance imaging is described as the reference standard for the evaluation of temporomandibular joint soft tissues; however, the literature shows conflicting results regarding the reproducibility of this method. Objective: this study aimed to assess the reproducibility of temporomandibular joint diagnoses using magnetic resonance imaging at 0.5 and 1.5 Tesla. Methods: a trained observer analyzed 212 temporomandibular joint images (134 at 0.5T and 78 at 1.5T) and diagnosed the presence or absence of nine conditions. Results: overall agreement was over 80% in both magnetic resonance units, with no significant differences (P > 0.05). Images at 0.5T and 1.5T provided excellent reproducibility for anterior disc displacement without reduction (κ = 0.82 and 0.80, respectively), hypermobility (κ = 0.84 and 0.90), and hypomobility (κ = 0.80 and 0.95), while fair to moderate values were obtained for anterior disc displacement with reduction (κ = 0.48 and 0.42) and disc shape changes (κ = 0.45 and 0.37). Conclusion: magnetic resonance imaging diagnoses at 0.5T and 1.5T presented good agreement. However, the lowest reproducibility for anterior disc displacement with reduction and disc shape change reveals the difficulty to diagnose these disorders.