Presentation of quantitative tooth wear data to clinicians

Objective: The purpose of this study was to ascertain the ease of interpretation and usefulness of different modes of presenting quantitative tooth wear data to clinicians. Method and Materials: A questionnaire that sought to ascertain both the ease of interpretation and usefulness of different modes of presentation for monitoring tooth wear was distributed to 67 clinicians. These modes (contour maps, surface topography and difference plots, and color-coded surface difference plots) were a product of ongoing development that used a mathematic algorithm to detect and quantify wear of teeth with time. A follow-up questionnaire, based on a fusion of the desirable features of surface topography and color-coded surface difference plots, was distributed to 40 of the original respondents to ascertain any improvement in clarity. Results: In all respects, contour maps were rated significantly more difficult to interpret and less useful than the other techniques evaluated. No significant difference was detected between the other modalities. The follow-up questionnaire demonstrated a significantly enhanced utility of the revised plot in informing the clinician as to the worn sites and quantity of wear. Conclusion: The combined mode of presentation seems an excellent way of presenting wear results to clinicians for clinical application.