Computer vision systems can identify dental deterioration using various object identification and semantic segmentation techniques
FREMONT, Calif.: AI-powered dental imaging software can help interpret data quickly and efficiently. Machine learning algorithms have also outperformed dentists in diagnosing tooth decay and predicting whether a tooth should be removed, saved or restored. Before you worry about a robot replacing the nice human taking care of your teeth, know that ML and computer vision systems are used to help your dentist provide the best possible treatment.
Detection of dental deterioration
Calling on help from other eyes (computer vision) can increase dentists’ ability to diagnose and treat difficulties in those same eyes. And sometimes that extra help is more valuable than you think. Computer vision systems can identify dental deterioration using various object identification and semantic segmentation techniques. One method is to train CNNs on large photo sets, including labeled carious lesions.
Oral cancer screening
Although the loss of a tooth is devastating, it is nothing compared to the consequences of oral cancer. Moreover, diagnosing the first signs of oral cancer is not difficult. Visible oral lesions known as ‘potentially malignant oral disorders’ (OPMD) are a significant indicator of cancer and can be found during routine oral exams performed by a general dentist. The problem is that this type of inspection is not carried out frequently enough during visits to the dentist. If only there were simple and inexpensive methods to automate the detection of cancerous or potentially malignant tumors.
Detection and diagnosis of dental caries
Early identification of dental caries, such as oral cancer, is crucial to prevent irreversible damage. Cavities treated early significantly minimize treatment costs, restoration time and the risk of tooth loss. However, computer-aided (CAD) detection and diagnostic systems are gradually becoming a common feature of dental clinics. These technologies can detect oral pathology by reading images from dental x-rays and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Additionally, computer vision systems can assess the depth of lesions and use this information to detect and classify lesions.
Endodontics
Endodontics is something you’ve probably heard of if you’ve ever had a root canal. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) has applications that can help dentists detect and treat these dreaded diseases even more effectively. Endodontists often examine, measure and assess the condition of the tooth below the gum line using X-ray imaging. Deep learning algorithms can then detect, locate, and classify various elements of tooth root anatomy and potential diseases. It is beneficial for locating specific dental features and identifying particular types of cracks and lesions in or around the tooth.
Comments are closed.