Detection, Diagnosis, & Prediction of Dental Periapical Diseases Using Image Processing Techniques (Digital pixel intensity software/technology)

Overlaid pixels allow determination of issues, location, courses of treatment, progression.


Invention Summary:

Incorrect diagnosis of periapical lesions may lead to either progression of the disease of unnecessary surgical procedures.

This new method and adapted software provides DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS, EARLY DETECTION and information not obtainable via visual (eyeball) inspection radiography for treatment of periapical pathologies.

By quantifying and digitally locating changes in bony density of periapical regions, and categorization into discrete groups, more thorough diagnosis affecting treatment options are obtainable. Four practical ‘intensity ratios’ classify the problematic region as:

  1. No Abnormality/Pathogen
  2. Apical Periodontitis
  3. Periapical Abscess/Granuloma
  4. Periapical Cyst/Abscess

The pixel intensity, alveolar bone pattern, and described measurements provide clear usable results.

Market Applications:

  • Software can be included or added onto conventional digital x-ray devices. Includes. histogram equalization, color maps, texture, filter maps, etc.
  • Conventional digital xrays can be converted into analyzable systems, teledentistry option

Advantages:

  • Gives early diagnosis of the lesion which are not detected using visual or standard methods, and prevent its progression to next severe stages.
  • Helps in identifying accessory root canals which may be missed by visual inspection. This can lead to re-infection, tooth loss, or avoidable root canal treatment. This tools help in identifying such accessary canals which help clinicians to locate and fill them immediately, will less risk of re-infection
  • Potential for automated bone loss measurement and detection for periodontal disease diagnosis
  • This tool allows clear detection of bone loss for diagnose of severity of periodontal disease. Studies have concluded that practitioners’ judgements vary based on experience. This tool yields consistent determination of bone-loss
  • Distance from glenoid fossa to the condylar process can be measured, helping in the diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders
  • Tooth movement can be measured during orthodontic treatments, helping determine response of teeth to the force of an appliance
  • Allows measurement of dental caries, involvement of caries to enamel dentin or pulp, and of the trabacular pattern of alveolar bone
  • This tool can be used as an educational tool to educate dental auxiliaries and students
  • Can be embedded within electronic dental records to prevent double data entry

Intellectual Property & Development Status:

Patents applied for.


Supplemental Material (pdf)

Patent Information: