Thermography was clinically applicated in 155 cases of various diseases in oral-maxillo-facial region. An attempt was made to evaluate the detectability of thermogram compared with the one of radiographic examination, the distribution of difference of temperature in various disease, the relationship between pain and the difference of temperature and the relationship between pain after operation and temperature change. Thermography was able to detect the influence of the lesions in soft tissue which was not detectable by radiograph. Thermographic findings was quite in accord with those of clinical symptom but not always with radiographic findings. In the cases of acute inflammation the difference of temperature with the opposite side showed wide range of distribution correlated with clinical symptom. In the cases of chronic inflammation no apparent difference was observed in the range of temperature. In cystic lesions without any acute inflammation the area of lesion was demonstrated as a cold spot. In cases of malignant tumor the area was shown as a hot spot between 0.5°C and 1.5°C In the cases of arthrosis painful areas were shown as localized hot spots. Correlationship was observed between pain and the differences of temperature and it was suggested that thermography might represent the painful area as an objective sign. It was also possible to demonstrate the changes of pathological conditions after operation by using thermography in lapse of time and it was indicated that thermography yielded much useful data as an excellent functional analyzing method.
