Fully automated estimation of arch forms in cone-beam CT with cubic B-spline approximation: Evaluation of digital dental models with missing teeth

Computer-assisted preoperative planning system with an automated registration method in prosthesis-driven oral implantology

PURPOSE

Dentition defect including edentulism is a problem that deserves attention, which requires precise preoperative planning. The trajectories of the implants can be determined using a pre-made radiographic template, which is adopted for prosthesis-driven oral implantology. However, existing solutions for the registration between the radiographic template and the patient's CBCT still require manual operation and cause inadequate accuracy. In this study, a pre-operative planning system for prosthesis-driven oral implantology is developed with a novel automated registration method.

METHODS

Based on threshold segmentation and morphological feature filtering, the potential feature points on two sets of CBCTs are, respectively, recognized. The distance features of the point sets are used to predict the optimal solution for point pair matching, after which the automated registration is implemented. The prosthesis-driven planning can be completed according to the results of registration and multi-planar reconstruction. Then, the surgical templates can be designed and fabricated using 3D printing technology based on the planning results and finally used for intra-operative guidance during implant placement.

RESULTS

Verification of the proposed method was conducted on three clinical cases. The mean Fiducial Registration Error of 0.13 ± 0.01mm was achieved with great efficiency. The average time was 0.15 s for the automatic registration algorithm, and 15.64 s for the whole procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed method proved to be accurate and robust. The results indicate that it can achieve higher efficiency while maintaining a low error level, which will have great potential clinical applications in the future.

Applications of artificial intelligence in dentomaxillofacial imaging-a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been increasingly developed in oral and maxillofacial imaging. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the applications and performance of the developed algorithms in different dentomaxillofacial imaging modalities.

STUDY DESIGN

A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus databases was performed. The search strategy was set as a combination of the following keywords: "Artificial Intelligence," "Machine Learning," "Deep Learning," "Neural Networks," "Head and Neck Imaging," and "Maxillofacial Imaging." Full-text screening and data extraction were independently conducted by two independent reviewers; any mismatch was resolved by discussion. The risk of bias was assessed by one reviewer and validated by another.

RESULTS

The search returned a total of 3,392 articles. After careful evaluation of the titles, abstracts, and full texts, a total number of 194 articles were included. Most studies focused on AI applications for tooth and implant classification and identification, 3-dimensional cephalometric landmark detection, lesion detection (periapical, jaws, and bone), and osteoporosis detection.

CONCLUSION

Despite the AI models' limitations, they showed promising results. Further studies are needed to explore specific applications and real-world scenarios before confidently integrating these models into dental practice.

Current Status of Digital Complete Dentures Technology

Fabrication of complete dentures (CDs) utilizing computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods has attracted a lot of attention. The purpose of this paper was to summarize current knowledge about digital CDs and the relevant technology, and to present the application of the new technology in a dental geriatrics case. Initially, some of the challenges regarding digitization of the oral mucosa as a supporting surface of the CDs’ intaglio surface are listed. Next, a brief introduction of the CAD software capabilities regarding CDs is presented. The latest CAM additive and subtractive techniques for CDs are following. Subsequently, the consecutive steps for the construction of a digital CD as part of the prosthodontic treatment of a 90-year-old ambulative female patient are presented. Finally, some considerations about the digital workflow in CD manufacturing are discussed. In conclusion, the new digital technology has clear advantages; however, implementation requires careful planning. The digital workflow is applicable and versatile.