Imaging Sci Dent.  2012 Jun;42(2):71-75. 10.5624/isd.2012.42.2.71.

Optimal protocol for teleconsultation with a cellular phone for dentoalveolar trauma: an in-vitro study

• Park W
• Lee HN
• Jeong JS
• Kwon JH
• Lee GH
• Kim KD

• KMID: 1974411
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5624/isd.2012.42.2.71

Abstract

PURPOSE
Dental trauma is frequently unpredictable. The initial assessment and urgent treatment are essential for dentists to save the patient's teeth. Mobile-phone-assisted teleconsultation and telediagnosis for dental trauma could be an aid when a dentist is not available. In the present in-vitro study, we evaluated the success rate and time to transfer images under various conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We analyzed the image quality of cameras built into mobile phones based on their resolution, autofocus, white-balance, and anti-movement functions.
RESULTS
The image quality of most built-in cameras was acceptable to perform the initial assessment, with the autofocus function being essential to obtain high-quality images. The transmission failure rate increased markedly when the image size exceeded 500 kappaB and the additional text messaging did not improve the success rate or the transmission time.
CONCLUSION
Our optimal protocol could be useful for emergency programs running on the mobile phones.

Keyword

Cellular Phone; Tooth Injuries; Emergencies; Remote Consultation

MeSH Terms

Cellular Phone
Dentists
Emergencies
Humans
Remote Consultation
Running
Text Messaging
Tooth
Tooth Injuries

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Frontal (A) and occlusal (B) photo for evaluation.

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  Fig. 2 Frontal photos of each function. A. Autofocus, B. No autofocus, C. Mild blur, D. Severe blur.

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  Fig. 3 Transmission time by the sending locations and reception conditions.

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