Investigation of impacted supernumerary teeth: a cone beam computed tomograph (cbct) study

Exploring the potential of artificial intelligence in paediatric dentistry: A systematic review on deep learning algorithms for dental anomaly detection

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) based on deep learning (DL) algorithms has shown promise in enhancing the speed and accuracy of dental anomaly detection in paediatric dentistry.

AIM

This systematic review aimed to investigate the performance of AI systems in identifying dental anomalies in paediatric dentistry and compare it with human performance.

DESIGN

A systematic search of Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted from 2012 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were based on problem/patient/population, intervention/indicator, comparison and outcome scheme and specific keywords related to AI, DL, paediatric dentistry, dental anomalies, supernumerary and mesiodens. Six of 3918 initial pool articles were included, assessing nine DL sub-systems that used panoramic radiographs or cone-beam computed tomography. Article quality was assessed using QUADAS-2.

RESULTS

Artificial intelligence systems based on DL algorithms showed promising potential in enhancing the speed and accuracy of dental anomaly detection, with an average of 85.38% accuracy and 86.61% sensitivity. Human performance, however, outperformed AI systems, achieving 95% accuracy and 99% sensitivity. Limitations included a limited number of articles and data heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

The potential of AI systems employing DL algorithms is highlighted in detecting dental anomalies in paediatric dentistry. Further research is needed to address limitations, explore additional anomalies and establish the broader applicability of AI in paediatric dentistry.

A comparison of the effects of two orthodontic techniques in the orthodontic treatment of sagittal skeletal patterns

OBJECTIVE

To compare the differences in the amount of dental root resorption (DRR) measured using different orthodontic techniques in the orthodontic treatment of patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns.

METHODS

Ninety-three patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were randomly divided into group A (n=46) and group B (n=47). Group A was treated with bracketless invisible orthodontics and group B was treated using the self-ligating fixed orthodontic technique. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used to measure the amount of DRR in the patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns receiving the orthodontic treatment.

RESULTS

After the treatment, the amounts of DRR in the maxillary and mandibular canines in both groups were lower than they were in the other 4 tooth positions (P < 0.05). The amount of DRR in the maxillary and mandibular canines in the patients with skeletal class I in both groups was lower than it was at the other four tooth positions (P < 0.05). The amount of DRR in the maxillary central incisors and maxillary canines in the patients with skeletal class II in group A was higher than it was in group B, but the amount of DRR in the mandibular canines in group A was lower than it was in group B (P < 0.05). The amounts of DRR at the six tooth positions in the patients with skeletal class III in group A were higher than the amounts in group B (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

DRR occurs in patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns undergoing the two orthodontic techniques in the orthodontic treatment, but there are differences in the amount of DRR among the patients with different sagittal skeletal patterns receiving the orthodontic treatment. Clinically, the orthodontic method should be selected based on the type of patient.

Cone beamed computed tomography in pediatric dentistry: Concepts revisited

Oral diagnosis and treatment planning is of utmost importance in pediatric dentistry. Although intraoral and conventional radiographic procedures have been used extensively since decades, there two-dimensional representation has raised many questions. Cone beamed computed tomography with 3-D technology is a replacement for conventional 2-D imaging and has a wide application among child patients in pediatric dentistry. This article therefore deals with current facts and myths about clinical situations where CBCT is indicated in pediatric patients.

Analysis of the distribution of supernumerary teeth and the characteristics of mesiodens in Bengbu, China: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the distribution of supernumerary teeth (ST) and the characteristics of mesiodens.

METHODS

Panoramic radiographs of 48,700 outpatients were used to assess the distribution of ST. A total of 142 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were used to evaluate the characteristics of mesiodens.

RESULTS

A total of 1.24% of individuals aged from 1 to 98 years were diagnosed with ST among 48,700 outpatients, and males had a higher percentage of ST than females (2.94:1); patients aged 6-12 years were the most frequently diagnosed. More females had ST impacted in bone than males. The percentages of patients with 1 and 2 ST were 0.949 and 0.290%, respectively. The most frequent location, crown direction, and morphology of mesiodens were palatal, inverted, and conical, respectively. The tooth lengths of mesiodens in males and of erupted mesiodens were longer than that those in females and of unerupted mesiodens, respectively. Inverted mesiodens had the shortest tooth length compared with vertical and horizontal mesiodens. These results were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The distribution of ST and mesiodens were both related to gender, and patients aged 6-12 years were the most frequently detected. The length of the mesiodens was associated with the growth direction and mesiodens eruption.