Clinical Research Directory

3D Volumetric Plaque Assessment on Teeth, Composite Restorations, and Ceramic Veneers Using an Intraoral Scanner

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate and compare a 3D intraoral scanner-based, computer-assisted approach for assessing dental biofilm/plaque accumulation on natural teeth and restorative surfaces with a conventional clinical plaque index (Turesky modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index, TMQHPI) in systemically healthy adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How well does the plaque-covered surface measurement derived from 3D intraoral scanner data agree with TMQHPI scores after plaque disclosure? * How sensitively do the two methods detect changes in plaque levels after supervised toothbrushing? * Do plaque accumulation patterns differ between natural tooth surfaces and restorative materials (direct composite restorations and indirect ceramic veneers), and where are plaque-retentive areas most frequently located? Participants (≥18 years) will receive routine professional mechanical plaque removal as part of standard clinical care. They will then be asked to avoid mechanical and/or chemical plaque control for 4 days. At the follow-up visit, participants will undergo: 1. An intraoral scan and standardized photographs of the full dental arch, 2. Plaque disclosure followed by repeat scanning/photography and TMQHPI scoring by a periodontist, 3. Supervised toothbrushing using the modified Bass technique for 2 minutes, followed by a final scan and photographs. Digital models will be used to quantify plaque-covered surface measures and to generate 3D maps of plaque-retentive areas.

Digital Quantification of Dental Plaque Based on Intraoral Scanner Images

This diagnostic validation study aims to develop and validate a digital method for dental biofilm quantification using three-dimensional images obtained by an intraoral scanner. Twenty participants will undergo intraoral scanning at three time points: before and after plaque disclosure, and after supervised toothbrushing. The digital method's accuracy will be compared with traditional clinical assessment methods (Turesky Plaque Index).