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Applicability of Thermography in Dentistry-Scoping Review

Introduction: Thermography offers a non-invasive radiation-free methodology for diagnostic imaging and temperature measurement, but the extent of the current application is unclear, as is the level of evidence for each use case. Moreover, population-based thermographic reference values for diagnostic purposes are nearly unknown. The present scoping review aims to assess the extent of literature and available evidence regarding the application of infrared thermography in dentistry to establish indications and further scope of its utility. Material and Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and CENTRAL and Web of Science searches were done in July 2022 with specific keywords. Wide eligibility criteria were used to capture all relevant studies, published in English, and addressing thermal imaging in dentistry. The literature found was selected regarding the eligibility criteria. Relevant data was extracted from the included references into a collection chart in a synthesized narrative format and classified under the Levels of Evidence and Grades of Recommendation (Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine, March 2009). Results: 13 studies were selected, 6 in vitro, 5 clinical trial and 1 case study and 1 systematic review. Four studies related the temperature variation of dental pieces with pulpal diagnosis. Three evaluated the effectiveness of thermography in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders. Five were used in surgery to measure inflammatory responses resulting from surgical procedures and temperatures reached when cutting hard tissues. One study evaluated, from an ergonomic point of view, the impact of bad working positions of oral health professionals. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this review, studies suggest that thermography has the potential to become an important tool in dental medicine, either as an auxiliary means of diagnosis in endodontics and temporomandibular disorders or as a complementary element in cutting procedures capable of producing heat with implications for the viability of the underlying structures. In addition, this scoping review can rouse new research foci regarding thermography.