Intraoral Camera Research Articles

Oral screening of dental calculus, gingivitis and dental caries through segmentation on intraoral photographic images using deep learning

ObjectiveIntraoral photographic images are instrumental in the early screening and clinical diagnosis of oral diseases. In addition, people have been trying to apply artificial intelligence to these images. The purpose of this study is to investigate and evaluate a deep learning system designed to segment intraoral photographic images for the detection of dental caries, dental calculus, and gingivitis, and to assess the degree of dental calculus based on the overall features of the tooth surface and gingival margin.Material and methodsThis cross-sectional study collected 3,365 oral endoscopic images, randomly distributed in training datasets (2,019 images), validation dataset (673 images), and test dataset (673 images). The training set and verification set images are manually labeled. An oral endoscopic image segmentation method based on Mamba (Oral-Mamba) and an intelligent evaluation model of dental calculus degree were proposed, achieving the segmentation of two types of oral diseases, namely gingivitis and dental caries, as well as the segmentation of dental calculus regions, and the intelligent evaluation of the degree of dental calculus.ResultsOral-Mamba demonstrated high accuracy in segmentation, with accuracy rates for gingivitis, dental caries, and dental calculus at 0.83, 0.83, and 0.81, respectively. In particular, these rates surpassed those of the U-Net model in IoU, accuracy, and recall metrics. Furthermore, Oral-Mamba runs 25% faster than U-Net.The accuracy of degree classification in the intelligent evaluation model of dental calculus degree is 85%.ConclusionThe proposed deep learning system is expected to be used for the detection of two types of oral diseases and dental calculus, and the degree judgment of photographic images from an intraoral camera. This system offers a practical method to assist in the oral screening of dental caries, dental calculus, and gingivitis, providing benefits such as intuitive use, time efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and ease of deployment.

Value of an Intraoral Camera in Evaluating Restorations and Plaque in a Simulated Environment: Observational Experiences of Dentists in Pediatric Contexts to Establish a Proof of Concept

Value of an Intraoral Camera in Evaluating Restorations and Plaque in a Simulated Environment: Observational Experiences of Dentists in Pediatric Contexts to Establish a Proof of Concept

Diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted caries detection: a clinical evaluation

ObjectiveThis clinical study aimed to evaluate the practical value of integrating an AI diagnostic model into clinical practice for caries detection using intraoral images.MethodsIn this prospective study, 4,361 teeth from 191 consecutive patients visiting an endodontics clinic were examined using an intraoral camera. The AI model, combining MobileNet-v3 and U-net architectures, was used for caries detection. The diagnostic performance of the AI model was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy, with the clinical diagnosis by endodontic specialists as the reference standard.ResultsThe overall accuracy of the AI-assisted caries detection was 93.40%. The sensitivity and specificity were 81.31% (95% CI 78.22%-84.06%) and 95.65% (95% CI 94.94%-96.26%), respectively. The NPV and PPV were 96.49% (95% CI 95.84%-97.04%) and 77.68% (95% CI 74.49%-80.58%), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy varied depending on tooth position and caries type, with the highest accuracy in anterior teeth (96.04%) and the lowest sensitivity for interproximal caries in anterior teeth and buccal caries in premolars (approximately 10%).ConclusionThe AI-assisted caries detection tool demonstrated potential for clinical application, with high overall accuracy and specificity. However, the sensitivity varied considerably depending on tooth position and caries type, suggesting the need for further improvement. Integration of multimodal data and development of more advanced AI models may enhance the performance of AI-assisted caries detection in clinical practice.

Comparison of Intraoral Cameras and Smartphones in Early Childhood Caries Detection: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Comparison of Intraoral Cameras and Smartphones in Early Childhood Caries Detection: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study

A Tele-detection and referral pAthways model for early childhood cariEs control- a protocol for a randomized factorial study: the TRACE study

BackgroundEarly childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common childhood diseases affecting the primary teeth of children younger than 6 years of age. ECC progression can be reversed in the early stages although these lesions often go undetected. New approaches are needed to detect oral diseases at an early stage when they can be better controlled. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of ECC tele-detection methods combined with referral pathways with and without user fee removal in controlling ECC.MethodsA randomized factorial trial will be used to compare two tele-dentistry detection methods for ECC (intraoral camera and smartphone camera) and two referral pathways (user fee removal versus conventional care). The study will recruit children younger than 6 years of age in marginalized communities in Alexandria, Egypt. The primary outcome is the percentage of teeth receiving indicated care, while the secondary outcomes are the oral health-related quality of life, acceptance of teledentistry by dentists, procedure time, and child cooperation. Two-way analysis of variance will be used to assess the effect of the two factors as between group variables on the outcomes after 6 and 12 months. The interaction between detection methods and referral pathways will also be assessed, and the effect of confounders will be controlled in a multivariable linear regression model.DiscussionThe findings of this study have the potential to inform clinical practice and oral healthcare policies for ECC management. Successful tele-detection and referral pathways could be integrated into oral healthcare systems, leading to improved oral health outcomes for children.Trial registrationThe trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov in August 2023 (initial release) ID: NCT06019884.

Effectiveness of interventions on improving early-life dental care utilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although early-life dental care is crucial for preventing early childhood caries and has numerous benefits, the utilization rate of such care remains remarkably low worldwide, especially in families of low socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to systematically review the scientific evidence relating to the effectiveness of interventions on improving early-life dental care utilization of very young children. We reviewed scientific evidence relating to these positive changes, with 7 randomized controlled trials after qualitative evaluation. Interventions assessed included prenatal oral health promotion, motivational interviewing, intraoral camera use alongside social work consultations to aid in decreasing barriers to care, monetary incentives for tooth brushing, fluoride varnish applications, and probiotic usage. The intervention was significantly effective in reducing the incidence of dental caries among children, especially in caries risk. Caries reduction was significant when oral health information was provided at frequent intervals prenatally. Caries increment was also reduced when probiotics were introduced when administered daily. Interventions that attempted to increase parental involvement in oral health care by increasing motivation and decreasing barriers had inconclusive results within the study groups. Considering high rates ECC, early establishment and preservation of a dental home should be a focus in public health measures. Continuous monitoring and parental involvement are key components to maintaining healthy oral conditions. Future studies could explore and test various innovative strategies that utilize technological platforms to engage with parents and promote early-life dental care utilization among the underserved population.

Operator, patient and parental Level of acceptance between Visual Intraoral Examination and Intraoral Camera in Seven to Twelve year Old Children

Introduction There are variety of methods for intraoral examination, visual examination being the most popular method. Intraoral camera is one of the innovative technologies which are being developed. Materials and Methods Thirty 7-12 year old children were examined using both the methods and a self-administered questionnaire was administered to them. Fifteen operators were also given a questionnaire. Quantitative data was expressed as frequency with percentages and qualitative data was analysed through thematic analysis. Results 87 % children and 63 % parent preferred Intraoral camera over Visual examination method. Operators preferred visual examination for diagnosis and Intraoral camera for patient and parental education. Conclusions Oral examination using Intraoral camera was perceived positively and preferred by children and parents. As Paediatric dentists, we can use Intraoral camera along with the visual oral examination method. Key Words Children, Intraoral camera, Visual oral examination

Evaluation of alternate image capturing devices for recording fingermarks at crime scenes

ABSTRACT This project evaluated the fingermark imaging ability of several alternate image capturing devices selected for their potential to assist with the recording of fingermarks in difficult-to-reach locations commonly encountered at crime scenes, e.g. the inside surface of door handles. Four small form-factor non-DSLR camera systems — intraoral camera, borescope, fibre-optic camera and an iPhone — were evaluated under controlled conditions for their ability to image fingermarks with sufficient detail for identification. Evaluation was conducted using black powdered fingermarks and standard photographic test targets. A qualitative visual evaluation approach was also developed to gauge whether image quality was appropriate for fingermark identification. The results obtained indicated that most of the systems were capable of capturing fingermark details suitable for identification in controlled environments; however, the inherent contrast of the fingermark had an impact on the success of various imaging devices. The practicality and capability of alternate camera devices for fingermark recovery in pseudo-operational conditions is part of ongoing research.

Parental use and acceptance of an accessible, commercially available intraoral camera for teledentistry in their children.

The potential of combining teledentistry and engaging parents as underutilised resources to monitor paediatric dental health was emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic and remains underexplored. This study aims to assess parental acceptance and use of a commercially available intraoral camera (IOC) for effective remote monitoring. 47 child-parent dyads, where the parent was the main caregiver and the child was treated under general anaesthesia for early childhood caries, were recruited. Caregivers were trained to image their child's teeth on a commercially available IOC. Subsequently, submitted images were reviewed asynchronously by dentists for image quality, presence of dislodged fillings, abscesses, cavitation, and oral hygiene. Post-surgery monitoring was performed using teledentistry at 1 and 2months and in-person at 4months. A modified Telehealth Usability Questionnaire (TUQ) was used to record caregiver acceptance for study procedures. A mean TUQ of 6.09 out of 7 was scored by caregivers. Caregiver-reported issues were limited to problems with technique and child uncooperativeness. The number of clear images during the second teledentistry review was improved compared to the first (p = 0.007). 68% of children liked having images of their teeth taken. This study supports the feasibility of using an IOC as a clinically appropriate avenue for teledentistry with a high level of caregiver-child acceptance.

AI-powered oral cancer detection: A breakthrough in dental diagnostics

Oral cancer is a global issue that poses challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. About 50% of cases are detected at an advanced stage, leading to a low 5-year survival rate. Visual assessments are conventionally employed in dental clinics for the detection of oral cancer, but, their precision is greatly influenced by the proficiency and knowledge of the practitioner, which can significantly differ. Furthermore, the subjective character of these tests might lead to inconsistencies in the diagnosis, hence increasing the probability of either an under- or overdiagnosis. Moreover, the diagnosis of oral cancer entails a substantial emotional burden as a result of protracted and intricate medical interventions, which in turn induces considerable worry in patients. In recent times, artificial intelligence has begun to assist in the diagnosis of oral cancer through many methods. AI-based diagnostic systems have the capability to analyse large amounts of data, including intraoral camera pictures, radiographs, and advanced imaging like MRI or CT scans. This allows them to detect even small changes and enhance image analysis. Thus, the present paper discusses the ways AI powered oral cancer detection can reduce the risks and increase accuracy to give better quality of life to patients.

Contribution of Wireless Wi-Fi Intraoral Cameras to the Assessment of Swallowing Safety and Efficiency.

Clinical evaluation of swallowing provides important clinical information but is limited in detecting penetration, aspiration, and pharyngeal residue in patients with suspected dysphagia. Although this is an old problem, there remains limited access to low-cost methods to evaluate swallowing safety and efficiency. The purpose of this technical report is to describe the experience of a single center that recently began using a wireless Wi-Fi intraoral camera for transoral endoscopic procedures as an adjunct to clinical swallowing evaluation. We describe the theoretical structure of this new clinical evaluation proposal. We present descriptive findings on its diagnostic performance in relation to videofluoroscopic swallowing study as the gold standard in a cohort of seven patients with dysphagia following head and neck cancer. We provide quantitative data on intra- and interrater reliability. Furthermore, this report discusses how this technology can be applied in the clinical practice of professionals who treat patients with dysphagia and provides directions for future research. This preliminary retrospective study suggests that intraoral cameras can reveal the accumulated oropharyngeal secretions and postswallow pharyngolaryngeal residue in patients with suspected dysphagia. Future large-scale studies focusing on validating and exploring this contemporary low-cost technology as part of a clinical swallowing evaluation are warranted.

Exploring the feasibility of smartphone cameras for 3D modelling of bite patterns in forensic dental identification

The field of bitemark analysis involves examining physical alterations in a medium resulting from contact with teeth and other oral structures. Various techniques, such as 2D and 3D imaging, have been developed in recent decades to ensure precise analysis of bitemarks. This study assessed the precision of using a smartphone camera to generate 3D models of bitemark patterns. A 3D model of the bite mark pattern was created using 3Shape TRIOSTM and a smartphone camera combined with monoscopic photogrammetry. The mesiodistal dimensions of the anterior teeth were measured using Rapidform Explorer and OrtogOnBlender, and the collected data were analyzed using IBM® SPSS® Statistics version 23.0. The mean mesiodistal dimension of the anterior teeth, as measured on the 3D model from 3Shape TRIOSTM and smartphone cameras, was found to be 6.95 ± 0.7667 mm and 6.94 ± 0.7639 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the two measurement methods, p > 0.05. The outcomes derived from this study unequivocally illustrate that a smartphone camera possessing the specific parameters detailed in this study can create a 3D representation of bite patterns with an accuracy level on par with the outputs of a 3D intraoral camera. These findings underscore the promising trajectory of merging smartphone cameras and monoscopic photogrammetry techniques, positioning them as a budget-friendly avenue for 3D bitemark analysis. Notably, the monoscopic photogrammetry methodology assumes substantial significance within forensic odontology due to its capacity for precise 3D reconstructions and the preservation of critical measurement data.

A real-time interactive restoration system for intraoral digital videos using segment anything model.

Poor conditions in the intraoral environment often lead to low-quality photos and videos, hindering further clinical diagnosis. To restore these digital records, this study proposes a real-time interactive restoration system using segment anything model. Intraoral digital videos, obtained from the vident-lab dataset through an intraoral camera, serve as the input for interactive restoration system. The initial phase employs an interactive segmentation module leveraging segment anything model. Subsequently, a real-time intraframe restoration module and a video enhancement module were designed. A series of ablation studies were systematically conducted to illustrate the superior design of interactive restoration system. Our quantitative evaluation criteria contain restoration quality, segmentation accuracy, and processing speed. Furthermore, the clinical applicability of the processed videos was evaluated by experts. Extensive experiments demonstrated its performance on segmentation with a mean intersection-over-union of 0.977. On video restoration, it leads to reliable performances with peak signal-to-noise ratio of 37.09 and structural similarity index measure of 0.961, respectively. More visualization results are shown on the https://yogurtsam.github.io/iveproject page. Interactive restoration system demonstrates its potential to serve patients and dentists with reliable and controllable intraoral video restoration.

Implementing AI-Based Mouth Health Software in Ash-Shidiqiyyah Orphanage

Abstract. The Ash-Shidiqiyyah Orphanage's foster children have a limited understanding of body hygiene, particularly dental and oral health. In addition, the orphanage's location, which is far from the hospital, makes it difficult to examine foster children with dental or mouth pain. To reduce the number of children who experience tooth or mouth pain, it is necessary to promote activities that raise awareness of dental and oral hygiene. The application Smart Intra Oral Camera (Sioca) that employs artificial intelligence (AI) technology can be used for early examinations of foster children's teeth and mouth. Children can perform self-checks or receive assistance from adults when using the application. Using an intra-oral camera, images of the teeth or mouth are captured, and the Sioca AI feature is then used to detect them. The socialization of the significance of dental and oral health by dental health specialists is another activity. The series of service activities have been executed correctly and without incident. Due to the time-consuming nature of surveillance, it is impossible to predict the progression of health improvement. Sioca is very helpful in observing the condition of the children's teeth, and the residents of the orphanage are becoming more aware of the significance of dental hygiene.

Discrepancy in Caries Prevalence by Gender Among School-Going Children in the Population of Hyderabad: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Dental caries is a highly prevalent oral disease. The primary cause of dental caries involves bacteria, notably Streptococcus mutans, thriving in an acidogenic environment, breaking down fermentable carbohydrates and ultimately leading to the formation of cavities. Multiple studies have indicated a higher female predilection towards dental caries. Aim: The aim of this study is to find out a possible relationship between gender and the prevalence of dental caries among children in order to increase awareness of the significance of consistent oral hygiene practices. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted on a study sample of 5332 children from 8 to 16 years. Intraoral camera was used to carry out the clinical examination by trained dental professionals. Data was compiled and analysed using SPSS version 29. Statistical analysis was done using Chi square test. Results: Among 5332 subjects, 844 males (31.34%) out of 2693 and 894 females (33.88%) out of 2639 were found to have dental caries. Chi square test was used to determine the significance of difference between the prevalence of dental caries among males and females. It showed a statistically significant correlation between dental caries and gender (p<0.05). Conclusion: Dental caries is frequently disregarded in its early stages, despite its detrimental effects. Considering the plethora of variables that contribute, especially in women, it is essential to encourage self-awareness and refrain from underestimating its impact. Ignoring dental cavities can lead to premature tooth loss, which can have an adverse effect on general health. Keywords: Dental Caries, Gender, Prevalence, Children, Chi-square test, Intraoral camera

Teledentistry and Forensic Odontology: Qualitative Study on the Capacity of Implementation.

The postmortem identification of people without an identity is performed either by using DNA, dental charts, or fingerprints (until advanced decomposition prevents their study). The lack of forensic dentists who can conduct identifications lead us to reflect on the use of digital technology in this area. The aim of this study was to validate the organizational capacity of using teledentistry for the identification of bodies in a forensic medicine department. A mixed observational study was conducted on 55 cases between July 2020 and February 2021 in the Forensic Medicine and Thanatology Department of Montpellier University Hospital. The protocol was structured in five steps: an initial interview with the agent (a forensic autopsy technician/caregiver specialized in forensic medicine), regarding the idea they had in terms of using telemedicine in their daily practice; agent training in the telemedicine system; realization of a clinical examination using an intra-oral camera by the agent; data analysis by a dental surgeon; final interview with the agent. The study was conducted on 55 subjects. The average age was 54 years old, with more than two-thirds of the patients being male (69%). The videos had an average duration of 29 min. There was an increase in visit duration when rigidity was high; this was also the case when there were many dental specificities in the oral cavity. The quality of the videos was either good or excellent. This study showed that remote identification could be considered as a new non-invasive identification tool. Many features were analyzed to create a training guide for forensic institutes.

Generated heat at implant site during gradual and single-drill protocols among Indian patients.

Excessive heat generation during bone drilling for dental implant placement is a known risk factor for bone necrosis and delayed healing. Therefore, it is of interest to evaluate the maximum change in temperature during and after preparation of the implant site for an implant diameter of 4.2 using gradual drilling and single drilling protocols. Hence, 26 artificial bone blocks with d1 density were divided into two groups where the group I had 13 sites prepared using a single drill and for group II bone blocks, 13 implant sites were prepared with the gradual drill protocol using 5 drills. The drill was done at room temperature with 1500 rpm using constant saline irrigation of 50ml/min. The maximum change in temperature was assessed using an intraoral camera. The data collected were statistically evaluated and results were formulated. Data shows that temperature change was significantly higher in group II where a gradual drill protocol was done compared to group I with a single drill protocol for placing the dental implant of diameter 4.2.Considering its limitations, the present in-vitro assessment concludes that a single drill protocol for preparing an osteotomy site for placing a dental implant of diameter 4.2 generates lesser heat than conventional gradual drilling protocols.

Comparative Evaluation of Dental Caries Score Between Teledentistry Examination and Clinical Examination: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Dental caries is a common dental health problem affecting all age groups across the globe. Accurate detection and assessment of dental caries are crucial for effective treatment and preventive measures. Teledentistry, which involves remote dental assessment using digital technologies, has shown promise as a potential tool for caries screening. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the dental caries scores obtained from clinical examinations and teledentistry assessments. Literature searches were conducted across databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, the Web of Science, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and PsycINFO by using predefined search terms and inclusion criteria. Two reviewers separately extracted the data. The study designs, evaluation techniques, dentition types, mean scores, and follow-up times of the included studies were examined. The New Castle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess the risk of bias. Review Manager (RevMan) (computer program) Version 5.4, The Cochrane Collaboration 2020, was used for the quantitative assessment of the data. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings revealed that teledentistry assessments (based on intraoral photographs captured using smartphones or intraoral cameras) demonstrated comparable accuracy to traditional clinical examinations in detecting and assessing dental caries. Among the four studies that were quantitatively analysed, no significant difference was noted at p = 0.09. A mean difference of 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.10; 1.38) suggested that clinical examination and teledentistry-based checkup were on par with each other for the detection of dental caries. The New Castle-Ottawa scale (NOS) grading indicated that the studies were of good quality. Teledentistry may be an effective approach for identifying and evaluating dental caries. However, further research is required to substantiate the findings observed in the present review.

Modern Approaches to Providing Telematics Oral Health Services in Pediatric Dentistry: A Narrative Review

A structural and organizational redesign of the dental care system is necessary today due to current trends in the demographic process and the accompanying changes in the population’s healthcare needs. The purpose of this article is to review the literature, analyzing those trends that today represent useful tools for the oral health of pediatric patients, with particular reference to teledentistry and all the supports it uses to reach remote territories or patients who, for various reasons, cannot have access to dental care. An independent literature search was conducted in three electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and the COCHRANE library. Thirty-one articles were considered. Reported findings highlight that teledentistry has been used in pediatrics to educate and promote oral health and to provide remote diagnosis and monitoring through mobile health applications, smartphone cameras and apps, intraoral cameras, websites and search engines, and telephonic communications. Specifically, teledentistry has been beneficial in providing dental care in remote locations with difficult access to pediatric dentists, conducting remote diagnostic and screening programs, monitoring patients between appointments, promoting children’s oral health through dental education, and providing behavioral counseling prior to office visits. Future research should further investigate the long-term use, additional applications, and cost-effectiveness of teledentistry in children.

Facilitating dental disease screening program in prisoners using an intraoral camera in teledentistry

ObjectivesTo facilitate dental disease screening program in prisoners by testing the diagnostic accuracy of teledentistry examination in comparison to direct oral examination by a dentist.Materials and methodsThis crossover study comprised three phases. Phase I, prisoner health volunteers (PHVs) enrolled teledentistry training for an intraoral camera (IOC) use. Phase II, the PHV used IOC for examining dental diseases of prisoners who reported dental-related problems, and captured symptomatic areas. The PHV and dentist independently determined tentative dental treatment need, comprising dental fillings, scaling, extraction, and surgical removal of impacted tooth. Phase III, another dentist performed direct oral examination of the prisoners who reported problems in phase II and determined dental treatment needs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated, using direct oral examination by dentist as a true positive.ResultsDiagnostic accuracy was determined in 152 prisoners with 215 teeth. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of teledentistry and direct examination between two dentists were above 80%. The lowest sensitivity and specificity of teledentistry examination by the PHV were scaling and surgical removal.ConclusionsIOC use in teledentistry facilitates dentists in dental diseases screening for prisoners with acceptable diagnostic accuracy in identifying possible treatment needs. However, the imaging obtained from teledentistry is not adequate to accurately identify all dental treatment needs.