Photography or videography? A paradigm shift in dental clinical documentation

Clinical documentation is critical in dental practices. Its influence reaches beyond diagnosis and treatment planning to patient education and evidence-based research. Historically, this documentation has relied mainly on photographic recordings. However, in the present era of rapid technical breakthroughs, a paradigm shift has occurred from photography to videography, driven by the transition from digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras to mirrorless systems, which provide improved video capabilities. This article explores the technological journey from dental photography to videography, highlighting the need for revised and standardized clinical documenting methods to accommodate this changing landscape. It also includes a complete guide to maximizing the capabilities of mirrorless cameras and green screen technologies for the creation of high-quality video content. The essential element of protecting data privacy and security in the midst of these developments is also explored, providing a comprehensive view of the paradigm shift in dental clinical documentation

The reproducibility of electronic color measurements of the marginal gingiva

INTRODUCTION This study evaluated the reproducibility of electronic color determination system evaluations of the marginal gingiva, which could be important for adhesive cervical fillings or prosthetic restorations that imitate the gingiva. MATERIAL AND METHODS In 50 subjects, the L*, a*, and b* color coordinates were evaluated five times at a point in the marginal area of a central incisor using different electronic color determination systems: (SP) Shadepilot, (ES) Easyshade, (CE) Crystaleye, and (SV) X-Rite. The mean color difference (ΔE) and its standard deviation between the five measurements from each participant were calculated separately for each device. Further ICC for interdevice reliability was determined. RESULTS The L*, a*, and b* color coordinates and ΔE values differed significantly among the systems (p < 0.001). Within each patient and measurement system, ΔE ranged from 1.4 to 3.2 (SD 1.1–2.5), L* from 2.6 to 5.7 (SD 2.6–5.7), a* from 11.9 to 21.3 (SD 3.6–3.9), and b* from 15.1 to 28.9 (SD 1.7–4.3). Interdevice reliability ranged between 0.675 and 0.807. CONCLUSIONS Color determination of the marginal gingiva using the electronic tooth color determination systems tested herein showed limited reproducibility. The results obtained with the different measurement systems differed enormously. CLINICAL RELEVANCE These results show that the electronic color measurement devices tested allow no high reproducible determination of color coordinates of the marginal gingiva

Association of kidney disease measures with risk of renal function worsening in patients with type 1 diabetes

Background: Albuminuria has been classically considered a marker of kidney damage progression in diabetic patients and it is routinely assessed to monitor kidney function. However, the role of a mild GFR reduction on the development of stage 653 CKD has been less explored in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) patients. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic role of kidney disease measures, namely albuminuria and reduced GFR, on the development of stage 653 CKD in a large cohort of patients affected by T1DM. Methods: A total of 4284 patients affected by T1DM followed-up at 76 diabetes centers participating to the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (Associazione Medici Diabetologi, AMD) initiative constitutes the study population. Urinary albumin excretion (ACR) and estimated GFR (eGFR) were retrieved and analyzed. The incidence of stage 653 CKD (eGFR &lt; 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) or eGFR reduction &gt; 30% from baseline was evaluated. Results: The mean estimated GFR was 98 \ub1 17 mL/min/1.73m2 and the proportion of patients with albuminuria was 15.3% (n = 654) at baseline. About 8% (n = 337) of patients developed one of the two renal endpoints during the 4-year follow-up period. Age, albuminuria (micro or macro) and baseline eGFR &lt; 90 ml/min/m2 were independent risk factors for stage 653 CKD and renal function worsening. When compared to patients with eGFR &gt; 90 ml/min/1.73m2 and normoalbuminuria, those with albuminuria at baseline had a 1.69 greater risk of reaching stage 3 CKD, while patients with mild eGFR reduction (i.e. eGFR between 90 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) show a 3.81 greater risk that rose to 8.24 for those patients with albuminuria and mild eGFR reduction at baseline. Conclusions: Albuminuria and eGFR reduction represent independent risk factors for incident stage 653 CKD in T1DM patients. The simultaneous occurrence of reduced eGFR and albuminuria have a synergistic effect on renal function worsening

Light in Dental Photography

Nicht nur in der dentalen Fotografie ist die effektive Beleuchtung ein Schlüsselfaktor für ein gutes Bild. Verschiedene Lichtquellen gelangen hierzu zum Einsatz. Es ist wichtig, die Farbeigenschaften der Lichtquellen zu kennen und die Kamera ent- sprechend einzustellen. So lassen sich unerwünschte Farbveränderungen vermeiden. Die Beleuchtung ist ein Schlüsselfaktor für ein erfolgreiches Bild. Sie bestimmt nicht nur die Helligkeit und Dunkelheit, sondern auch Ton, Stimmung und Atmosphäre. Die Manipulation des Lichts, auch durch den Einsatz spezieller Filter, kann als diagnostisches Hilfsmittel bei der Behandlung eingesetzt werden.Effective lighting is a key factor in achieving a good image, not just in dental photography. A variety of light sources can be used for this. It is important to know the colour quality of the light sources and adjust the camera accordingly. This helps to avoid unwanted alterations in colour. Lighting is crucial to a successful image. It controls not only the lightness or darkness of the image, but also the tone, feel and atmosphere of the picture. Manipulating the light, for example by using special filters, can also be a useful diagnostic tool for treatment

COVID-19 decontamination procedures for photographic equipment in a secondary care setting

This article provides an overview of how long COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) survives on the built environment, and reviews currently available resources to provide recommendations on effective decontamination of photographic equipment based within a secondary care setting

Quantitative clinical evaluation of esthetic properties of incisors

OBJECTIVE: To match perfectly the optical properties of natural teeth, a scientific approach is needed by using digital technology that excludes bias to quantitatively characterize the optical properties of populations' teeth. The aim of this article is to present a method for a detailed clinical quantification of optical properties of front teeth. METHODS: A novel spectrophotometric approach was developed and applied on a preliminary group of subjects quantifying L* (luminosity) a* (quantity of green-red) and b* (quantity of blue-yellow) of enamel and enamel-dentin complex against black and white background. Based on these in vivo data, CR (opacity) and opalescence (the ability to reflect blue wavelength when white light stroke the object perpendicularly) were also calculated. RESULTS: The mean values of L* of the enamel-dentin complex against black and white background were 79.6 and 75.4, respectively. The mean values of a* were 2.5 against black and 0.8 against white background, respectively. The mean values of b* were 17.4 against black and 13.0 against white background, respectively. The mean contrast ratio was 86.7%. Opalescence value was 4.8. The mean values of L* of enamel against black and white background were 79.0 and 64.2, respectively. The mean values of a* were 2.1 against black and -0.3 against white background, respectively. The mean values of b* were 15.2 against black and 8.7 against white background, respectively. The mean contrast ratio was 60.5%. Opalescence value was 7.4. SIGNIFICANCE: The described methodology, applied on a larger group of subjects, may serve as a database for a more exact characterization of optical properties of natural enamel and dentin