Development of Objective Methods for Fluorosis Diagnosis

描述：目前用于诊断氟斑牙的方法依赖于基于流行病学指标的主观测量。这导致诊断缺乏敏感性和特异性，并导致数据汇总和报告不一致。拟议的研究旨在开发利用成像技术(定量光荧光和数码口腔内摄影)和目视检查诊断氟中毒的客观和定量方法。结果的验证将通过氟化物含量的直接微量分析、组织学检查和与氟化物相关的低矿化矿物含量的三维定量来提供。作为研究的一部分，拔除的牙齿和7至13岁的儿童都将接受检查。选定的表面为氟中毒病例、龋损或声音/非氟中毒病例，将通过视觉进行识别，并将使用QLF和数字口腔内照片进行记录。将对QLF图像进行量化。将开发使用图像分析软件对摄影图像进行量化的方法。还将开发一种使用微型CT对与氟相关的低矿化进行量化的方法。将评估每种方法的灵敏度、特异度和重复性。氟斑牙的客观诊断方法的发展将促进氟斑牙和氟化物的研究。拟议的调查将提供机会，以确定这些方法，以评估牙齿氟中毒。它将提供方法学框架，以解决目前难以比较有关氟斑牙的流行病学、生物学和美学影响的研究结果的差异。

DESCRIPTION: Methods currently used to diagnose Dental fluorosis rely on subjective measurements based on epidemiological indices. This has resulted in absence of diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and has led to inconsistencies in data summary and report. The proposed investigation Aims at developing objective and quantitative methods for fluorosis diagnosis using imaging technology (Quantitative Light Fluorescence [QLF] and digital intraoral photography) and visual examination. Validation of results will be provided by direct microanalysis of fluoride content, histological examination and 3-d quantification of mineral content of fluoride-related hypomineralizations. Both extracted teeth and children ages 7 to 13 will be examined as part of the study. Identification of selected surfaces as fluorosis cases, caries lesions or sound/non-fluorosis cases will be performed visually and will be recorded with QLF and digital intraoral photographs. Quantification of QLF images will be conducted. Methods to quantify photographic images using image analysis software will be developed. A method to quantify fluoride-related hypomineralizations using micro CT will be also developed. Sensitivity, specificity and repeatability of each method will be assessed. The development of objective methods for Dental fluorosis diagnosis will improve Dental fluorosis and fluoride research. The proposed investigation will provide the opportunity to identify such methods for the assessment of Dental fluorosis. It will provide the methodological framework to resolve discrepancies that currently make it difficult to compare results of studies dealing with the epidemiology, and the biological and esthetic effects of Dental fluorosis.