ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Deep learning tools for dentomaxillofacial application

The rationale behind this topic:

The use of Artificial Intelligence methods in dental practice, such as deep learning, brings new perspectives for the diagnosis, classification and prediction of oral diseases, for treatment planning, and for the evaluation and prediction of outcomes. Deep convolutional neural networks hold promise to improve both quality and quantity of future image processing, and may help radiologists to analyze images that contain vast data information This project aims to evaluate the performance of combined deep convolutional neural networks for automatic tooth segmentation on dental panoramic radiographs (2D segmentation) and on CBCT scans (3D Segmentation).

Professor Reinhilde Jacobs

reinhilde.jacobs@uzleuven.be

dr. Rocharles Fontenele

rocharles.cavalcantefontenele@kuleuven.be

Related projects

Project 28: Novel AI-based automated virtual implant placement: Artificial versus human intelligence


To assess quality, clinical acceptance, time-efficiency, and consistency of a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tool for automated presurgical implant planning for single tooth replacement, compared to a human intelligence (HI)-based approach.


Researchers: Bahaaeldeen M. Elgarba, Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Francesco Mangano, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Elgarba BM, Fontenele RC, Mangano F, Jacobs R. Novel AI-based automated virtual implant placement: Artificial versus human intelligence. J Dent. 2024 Aug;147:105146. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105146. Epub 2024 Jun 22. PMID: 38914182.


AI Project 28 B Elgarba

Project 27: Novel AI-based tool for primary tooth segmentation on CBCT using convolutional neural networks: A validation study


Primary teeth segmentation on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans is essential for paediatric treatment planning. Conventional methods, however, are time-consuming and necessitate advanced expertise.


Researchers: Sara Elsonbaty, Bahaaeldeen M. Elgarba, Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Abdullah Swaity, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Elsonbaty S, Elgarba BM, Fontenele RC, Swaity A, Jacobs R. Novel AI-based tool for primary tooth segmentation on CBCT using convolutional neural networks: A validation study. Int J Paediatr Dent. 2024 May 20. doi: 10.1111/ipd.13204. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38769619.


AI Project 27 S Elsonbaty

Project 26: Convolutional neural network for automated tooth segmentation on intraoral scans


Tooth segmentation on intraoral scanned (IOS) data is a prerequisite for clinical applications in digital workflows. Current state-of-the-art methods lack the robustness to handle variability in dental conditions. This study aims to propose and evaluate the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN) model for automatic tooth segmentation on IOS images.


Researchers: Xiaotong Wang, Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Tom Van den Bogaert, Sohaib Shujaat, Reinhilde Jacobs, Eman Shaheen


Published on:

Wang X., Alqahtani K.A., Van den Bogaert T., Shujaat S., Jacobs R., Shaheen E.Convolutional neural network for automated tooth segmentation on intraoral scans.BMC Oral Health24, 804 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-024-04582-2


AI Project26 - Xiaotong

Project 25: Artificial intelligence serving pre-surgical digital implant planning: A scoping review


To conduct a scoping review focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) applications in presurgical dental implant planning. Additionally, to assess the automation degree of clinically available pre-surgical implant planning software.


Researchers: Bahaaeldeen M. Elgarba, Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Mihai Tarce, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Bahaaeldeen M. Elgarba, Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Mihai Tarce, Reinhilde Jacobs, Artificial intelligence serving pre-surgical digital implant planning: A scoping review, Journal of Dentistry, Volume 143, 2024, 104862, ISSN 0300-5712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2024.104862.


Implant review

Project 24: Deep learning driven segmentation of maxillary impacted canine on cone beam computed tomography images


The process of creating virtual models of dentomaxillofacial structures through three-dimensional segmentation is a crucial component of most digital dental workflows. This process is typically performed using manual or semi-automated approaches, which can be time-consuming and subject to observer bias. The aim of this study was to train and assess the performance of a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based online cloud platform for automated segmentation of maxillary impacted canine on CBCT image. A total of 100 CBCT images with maxillary canine impactions were randomly allocated into two groups: a training set (n=50) and a testing set (n=50). The training set was used to train the CNN model and the testing set was employed to evaluate the model performance. Both tasks were performed on an online cloud-based platform, ‘Virtual patient creator’ (Relu, Leuven, Belgium). The performance was assessed using voxel- and surface-based comparison between automated and semi-automated ground truth segmentations. In addition, the time required for segmentation was also calculated. The automated tool showed high performance for segmenting impacted canines with a dice similarity coefficient of 0.99±0.02. Moreover, it was 24 times faster than semi-automated approach. The proposed CNN model achieved fast, consistent, and precise segmentation of maxillary impacted canines.


Researchers: Abdullah Swaity, Bahaaeldeen M. Elgarba, Nermin Morgan, Saleem Ali, Sohaib Shujaat, Elena Borsci, Israel Chilvaquer, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Swaity, A., Elgarba, B.M., Morgan, N.et al.Deep learning driven segmentation of maxillary impacted canine on cone beam computed tomography images.Sci Rep14, 369 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-49613-0


Impacted canine

Project 23: Risk assessment of inferior alveolar nerve injury after wisdom tooth removal using 3D AI-driven models: A within-patient study


To compare a three-dimensional (3D) artificial intelligence (AI)- driven model with panoramic radiography (PANO) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in assessing the risk of inferior alveolar nerve(IAN) injury after mandibular wisdom tooth (M3M) removal through a within-patient controlled trial.


Researchers: Fernando Fortes Picoli, Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Frederic Van der Cruyssen, Iraj Ahmadzai, Nermin Morgan, Sergio Lins de-Azevedo-Vaz, Jan Meeus, Robin Willaert, Nicolly Oliveira-Santos, Benjamin Palla, Constantinus Politis, Maria Alves Garcia Silva , Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Fernando Fortes Picoli, Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Frederic Van der Cruyssen, Iraj Ahmadzai, Trigeminal Nerve Injuries research group, Constantinus Politis, Maria Alves Garcia Silva, Reinhilde Jacobs. Risk assessment of inferior alveolar nerve injury after wisdom tooth removal using 3D AI-driven models: A within-patient study. Journal of Dentistry, Volume 139, 2023, 104765, ISSN 0300-5712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104765.


Article 2_AI Project 23

Project 22: A unique artificial intelligence-based tool for automated CBCT segmentation of mandibular incisive canal


To develop and validate a novel artificial intelligence (AI) tool for automated segmentation of mandibular incisive canal on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans.


Researchers: Thanatchaporn Jindanil, Luiz Eduardo Marinho-Vieira, Sergio Lins de-Azevedo-Vaz, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Jindanil T, Marinho-Vieira LE, de-Azevedo-Vaz SL, Jacobs R. A unique artificial intelligence-based tool for automated CBCT segmentation of mandibular incisive canal. Dentomaxillofac Radiol. 2023 Nov;52(8):20230321. doi: 10.1259/dmfr.20230321. Epub 2023 Oct 23. PMID: 37870152.


Article 1_AI Project 22

Project 21: Deep learning-based segmentation of dental implants on cone-beam computed tomography images: A validation study


To train and validate a cloud-based convolutional neural network (CNN) model for automated segmentation (AS) of dental implant and attached prosthetic crown on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.


Researchers: Bahaaeldeen M. Elgarba, Stijn Van Aelst, Abdullah Swaity, Nermin Morgan,Sohaib Shujaat, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Bahaaeldeen M. Elgarba, Stijn Van Aelst, Abdullah Swaity, Nermin Morgan, Sohaib Shujaat, Reinhilde Jacobs, Deep learning-based segmentation of dental implants on cone-beam computed tomography images: A validation study, Journal of Dentistry, Volume 137, 2023, 104639, ISSN 0300-5712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104639.


Article 3_Bahaa

Project 20: A deep learning approach for radiological detection and classification of radicular cysts and periapical granulomas


Dentists and oral surgeons often face difficulties distinguishing between radicular cysts and periapical granulomas on panoramic imaging. Radicular cysts require surgical removal while root canal treatment is the first-line treatment for periapical granulomas. Therefore, an automated tool to aid clinical decision making is needed.


Researchers: Jonas Ver Berne, Soroush Baseri Saadi, Constantinus Politis, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Jonas Ver Berne, Soroush Baseri Saadi, Constantinus Politis, Reinhilde Jacobs, A deep learning approach for radiological detection and classification of radicular cysts and periapical granulomas, Journal of Dentistry, Volume 135, 2023, 104581, ISSN 0300-5712, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2023.104581.


Article 2_Jonas

Project 19: Automated segmentation of the mandibular canal and its anterior loop by deep learning


Accurate mandibular canal (MC) detection is crucial to avoid nerve injury during surgical procedures. Moreover, the anatomic complexity of the interforaminal region requires a precise delineation of anatomical variations such as the anterior loop (AL). Therefore, CBCT-based presurgical planning is recommended, even though anatomical variations and lack of MC cortication make canal delineation challenging. To overcome these limitations, artificial intelligence (AI) may aid presurgical MC delineation. In the present study, we aim to train and validate an AI-driven tool capable of performing accurate segmentation of the MC even in the presence of anatomical variation such as AL. Results achieved high accuracy metrics, with 0.997 of global accuracy for both MC with and without AL. The anterior and middle sections of the MC, where most surgical interventions are performed, presented the most accurate segmentation compared to the posterior section. The AI-driven tool provided accurate segmentation of the mandibular canal, even in the presence of anatomical variation such as an anterior loop. Thus, the presently validated dedicated AI tool may aid clinicians in automating the segmentation of neurovascular canals and their anatomical variations. It may significantly contribute to presurgical planning for dental implant placement, especially in the interforaminal region.


Researchers: Nicolly Oliveira-Santos, Reinhilde Jacobs, Fernando Fortes Picoli, Pierre Lahoud, Liselot Niclaes, and Francisco Carlos Groppo


Published on:

Oliveira-Santos, N., Jacobs, R., Picoli, F.F.et al.Automated segmentation of the mandibular canal and its anterior loop by deep learning.Sci Rep13, 10819 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-37798-3



Article 1_Nicolly

Project 18: Automated three-dimensional quantification of external root resorption following combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment. A validation study


Three-dimensional (3D) quantitative assessment of externalroot resorption(ERR) following combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment is vital for ensuring an optimal long-term tooth prognosis. In this era, lack of evidence exists applying automated 3D approaches for assessing ERR. Therefore, this study aimed to validate a protocol for 3D quantification of ERR on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images following combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment.


Researchers: Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Reinhilde Jacobs, Sohaib Shujaat, Constantinus Politis, Eman Shaheen


Published on:

Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Reinhilde Jacobs, Sohaib Shujaat, Constantinus Politis, Eman Shaheen, Automated three-dimensional quantification of external root resorption following combined orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment. A validation study, Journal of Stomatology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Volume 124, Issue 1, Supplement, 2023, 101289, ISSN 2468-7855



Project 18-1
Project 18-2

Project 17: Three-dimensional quantification of skeletal midfacial complex symmetry


Quantification of skeletal symmetry in a healthy population could have a strong impact on the reconstructive surgical procedures where mirroring of the contralateral healthy side acts as a clinical reference for the restoration of unilateral defects. Hence, the aim of this study was to three-dimensionally assess the symmetry of skeletal midfacial complex in skeletal class I patients.


Researchers: Nermin Morgan, Sohaib Shujaat, Omid Jazil, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Morgan, N., Shujaat, S., Jazil, O.et al.Three-dimensional quantification of skeletal midfacial complex symmetry.Int J CARS18, 611–619 (2023). 



Project 17-1
Project 17-2

Project 16: Convolutional neural network-based automated maxillary alveolar bone segmentation on cone-beam computed tomography images


The objective of this research is to develop and assess the performance of a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-driven convolutional neural network (CNN)-based tool for automated three-dimensional (3D) maxillary alveolar bone segmentation on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.


Researchers: Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Maurício do Nascimento Gerhardt, Fernando Fortes Picoli, Adriaan Van Gerven, Stefanos Nomidis, Holger Willems, Deborah Queiroz Freitas, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Fontenele R C, Gerhardt M d N, Picoli F F, Van Gerven A, Nomidis S, Willems H, Freitas D Q, Jacobs, R. (2023). Convolutional neural network-based automated maxillary alveolar bone segmentation on cone-beam computed tomography images. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 00, 1– 10. https://doi.org/10.1111/clr.14063



Project 16-1
Project 16-2

Project 15: Convolutional neural network for automated classification of osteonecrosis and related mandibular trabecular patterns


The present study aimed to develop and validate a tool for the automated classification of normal, affected, and osteonecrosis mandibular trabecular bone patterns in panoramic radiographs using convolutional neural networks (CNNs). A dataset of 402 panoramic images from 376 patients was selected, comprising 112 control radiographs from healthy patients and 290 images from patients treated with antiresorptive drugs (ARD). The latter was subdivided in 70 radiographs showing thickening of the lamina dura, 128 with abnormal bone patterns, and 92 images of clinically diagnosed osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ). Four pre-trained CNNs were fined-tuned and customized to detect and classify the different bone patterns. The best performing network was selected to develop the classification tool. The output was arranged as a colour-coded risk index showing the category and their odds. Classification performance of the networks was assessed through evaluation metrics, receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), and a confusion matrix. Furthermore, Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) was employed to visualise class-discriminative regions. All networks correctly detected and classified the mandibular bone patterns with optimal performance metrics. InceptionResNetV2 showed the best results with an accuracy of 96 %, precision, recall and F1-score of 93 %, and a specificity of 98 %. Overall, most misclassifications occurred between normal and abnormal trabecular bone patterns. CNNs offer reliable potentials for automatic classification of abnormalities in the mandibular trabecular bone pattern in panoramic radiographs of antiresorptive treated patients.


Researchers: Soroush Baseri Saadi, Catalina Moreno Rabie, Tim van den Wyngaert, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Baseri Saadi S, Moreno-Rabié C, van den Wyngaert T, Jacobs R. Convolutional neural network for automated classification of osteonecrosis and related mandibular trabecular patterns. Bone Rep. 2022 Oct 29;17:101632. doi: 10.1016/j.bonr.2022.101632. PMID: 36389628; PMCID: PMC9640953.



Osteonecrosis_1
Osteonecrosis_2
Osteonecrosis_3
Osteonecrosis_4
Osteonecrosis_5
Osteonecrosis_6

Project 14: Synergy between artificial intelligence and precision medicine for computer-assisted oral and maxillofacial surgical planning


The aim of this review was to investigate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in maxillofacial computer-assisted surgical planning (CASP) workflows with the discussion of limitations and possible future directions. An in-depth search of the literature was undertaken to review articles concerned with the application of AI for segmentation, multimodal image registration, virtual surgical planning (VSP), and three-dimensional (3D) printing steps of the maxillofacial CASP workflows. The existing AI models were trained to address individual steps of CASP, and no single intelligent workflow was found encompassing all steps of the planning process. Segmentation of dentomaxillofacial tissue from computed tomography (CT)/cone-beam CT imaging was the most commonly explored area which could be applicable in a clinical setting. Nevertheless, a lack of generalizability was the main issue, as the majority of models were trained with the data derived from a single device and imaging protocol which might not offer similar performance when considering other devices. In relation to registration, VSP and 3D printing, the presence of inadequate heterogeneous data limits the automatization of these tasks. The synergy between AI and CASP workflows has the potential to improve the planning precision and efficacy. However, there is a need for future studies with big data before the emergent technology finds application in a real clinical setting.


Researchers: Sohaib Shujaat, Marryam Riaz, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Shujaat S, Riaz M, Jacobs R. Synergy between artificial intelligence and precision medicine for computer-assisted oral and maxillofacial surgical planning. Clin Oral Investig. 2022 Nov 3. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04706-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36323803.



Synergy_1

Project 13: Three-dimensional maxillary virtual patient creation by convolutional neural network-based segmentation on cone-beam computed tomography images


This paper assessed the integrated segmentation of three convolutional neural network (CNN) models for the creation of a maxillary virtual patient (MVP) from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. We hypothesized that this integration would reveal a similar performance as the individual models, along with a robust interobserver agreement regarding time efficiency and consistency for creating a segmented MVP. Simultaneous automated segmentation of different structures could provide a valuable tool in clinical orthodontics, implant rehabilitation, and any oral or maxillofacial surgical procedures, in which visualizing MVP and its relationship with surrounding structures are necessary for an accurate diagnosis and patient-specific treatment planning.


Researchers: Fernanda Nogueira-Reis, Nermin Morgan, Stefanos Nomidis, Adriaan Van Gerven, Nicolly Oliveira-Santos, Reinhilde Jacobs, Cinthia Pereira Machado Tabchoury


Published on:

Nogueira-Reis F, Morgan N, Nomidis S, Van Gerven A, Oliveira-Santos N, Jacobs R, Tabchoury CPM. Three-dimensional maxillary virtual patient creation by convolutional neural network-based segmentation on cone-beam computed tomography images. Clin Oral Investig. 2022 Sep 17. doi: 10.1007/s00784-022-04708-2. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36114907.



fnr1
fnr2
fnr3
fnr4

Project 12: Deep convolutional neural network-based automated segmentation and classifcation of teeth with orthodontic brackets on cone-beam computed-tomographic images: a validation study


Tooth segmentation and classifcation from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a prerequisite for diagnosis and treatment planning in the majority of digital dental workfows. However, an accurate and effcient segmentation of teeth in the presence of metal artefacts still remains a challenge. Therefore, the following study aimed to validate an automated deep convolutional neural network (CNN)-based tool for the segmentation and classifcation of teeth with orthodontic brackets on CBCT images. The proposed CNN model outperformed other state-of-the-art algorithms in terms of accuracy and effciency. It could act as a viable alternative for automatic segmentation and classifcation of teeth with brackets.


Researchers: Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Reinhilde Jacobs, Andreas Smolders, Adriaan Van Gerven, Holger Willems, Sohaib Shujaat, Eman Shaheen


Published on:

Alqahtani KA, Jacobs R, Smolders A, Van Gerven A, Willems H, Shujaat S, Shaheen E. Deep convolutional neural network-based automated segmentation and classification of teeth with orthodontic brackets on cone-beam computed-tomographic images: a validation study,European Journal of Orthodontics, 2022;, cjac047,https://doi.org/10.1093/ejo/cjac047



m_cjac047_fig1
m_cjac047_fig2
m_cjac047_fig3

Project 11: Deep convolutional neural network-based automated segmentation of the maxillofacial complex from cone-beam computed tomography – A validation study


Automated segmentation of the maxillofacial complex could act as a potent alternative to the conventional segmentation techniques for improving the efficiency of the digital workflows. This approach could deliver an accurate and ready-to-print three dimensional (3D) models that are essential to patient-specific digital treatment planning for orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, and implant placement.


Researchers: Flavia Preda, Nermin Morgan, Adriaan Van Gerven, Fernanda Nogueira-Reis, Andreas Smolders,  Xiaotong Wang, Stefanos Nomidis, Eman Shaheen, Holger Willems, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Preda F, Morgan N, Van Gerven A, Nogueira-Reis F, Smolders A, Wang X, Nomidis S, Shaheen E, Willems H, Jacobs R. Deep convolutional neural network-based automated segmentation of the maxillofacial complex from cone-beam computed tomography - A validation study. J Dent. 2022 Jul 21:104238. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104238. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35872223.



Project 10: Convolutional neural network for automatic maxillary sinus segmentation on cone-beam computed tomographic images


An accurate three-dimensional (3D) segmentation of the maxillary sinus is crucial for multiple diagnostic and treatment applications including implant placement, sinus floor elevation, removal of (impacted) posterior teeth and/or root remnants, and orthognathic surgical procedures. Yet, it is challenging and time-consuming when manually performed on CBCT dataset. Recently, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have proven to provide excellent performance in the field of 3D image analysis. Hence, this study developed and validated a novel automated CNN-based methodology for the segmentation of maxillary sinus using CBCT images. ​The proposed model provided a time-efficient, precise, and consistent automatic segmentation which could allow an accurate generation of 3D models for diagnosis and virtual treatment planning.


Researchers: Nermin Morgan, Adriaan Van Gerven, Andreas Smolders, Karla de Faria Vasconcelos, Holger Willems, Reinhilde Jacobs​


Published on:

Morgan N, Van Gerven A, Smolders A, de Faria Vasconcelos K, Willems H, Jacobs R. Convolutional neural network for automatic maxillary sinus segmentation on cone-beam computed tomographic images. Sci Rep. 2022 May 7;12(1):7523. doi: 10.1038/s41598-022-11483-3. PMID: 35525857; PMCID: PMC9079060.


Project 9: Automated detection and labelling of teeth and small edentulous regions on cone-beam computed tomography using convolutional neural networks


This paper focuses on the accuracy of AI to identify and label teeth and missing teeth in small edentulous areas. Results showed excellent accuracy to perform both tasks in a fast manner. AI may represent a promising time-saving tool for radiological reporting, automated dental charting and surgical and treatment planning.


Researchers: Maurício do Nascimento Gerhardt, Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, André Ferreira Leite, Pierre Lahoud, Adriaan Van Gerven, Holger Williems, Andreas Smolders, Thomas Beznik, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Gerhardt MDN, Fontenele RC, Leite AF, Lahoud P, Van Gerven A, Willems H, Smolders A, Beznik T, Jacobs R. Automated detection and labelling of teeth and small edentulous regions on cone-beam computed tomography using convolutional neural networks. J Dent. 2022 Apr 21;122:104139. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104139. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35461974.


Project 8: A novel deep learning system for multi-class tooth segmentation and classification on cone beam computed tomography. A validation study


Automatic tooth segmentation and classification from cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) have become an integral component of the digital dental workflows. Therefore, we developed and validated a deep learning approach for automatic tooth segmentation and classification from CBCT images with a dataset of 186 scans acquired with 2 different CBCT machines. The AI framework correctly segmented teeth with optimal precision (0.98±0.02) and 1800 times faster compared to an expert. Teeth classification also performed optimally with precision of 97.9%.

The proposed 3D U-Net based AI framework is an accurate and time-efficient deep learning system for automatic tooth segmentation and classification without expert refinement which indicates its potential future applications for diagnostics and treatment planning in the field of digital dentistry, while reducing clinical workload.


Researchers: Eman Shaheen, André Leite, Khalid Ayidh Alqahtani, Andreas Smolders, Adriaan Van Gerven, Holger Willems, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Shaheen E, Leite A, Alqahtani KA, Smolders A, Van Gerven A, Willems H, Jacobs R. A novel deep learning system for multi-class tooth segmentation and classification on cone beam computed tomography. A validation study. J Dent. 2021 Dec;115:103865. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103865. Epub 2021 Oct 26. PMID: 34710545​


Shaheen_AI 1
Shaheen_AI 2
Shaheen_AI 3

Project 7: Layered deep learning for automatic mandibular segmentation in cone-beam computed tomography


The aim of this project was to develop and validate a layered deep learning algorithm that automatically creates 3D surface models of the human mandible from a CBCT scan. The hypothesis was that such an AI model could provide accurate 3D surface models of the mandible in a more reliable and time efficient way than the current clinical standard, being semi-automatic segmentation. At the end of this project, we established that a layered 3D U-Net architecture deep learning algorithm, with and without additional user refinements, improved time-efficiency, reduced operator error, and provided excellent accuracy when benchmarked against the clinical standard, being semi-automatic segmentation.


Researchers: Pieter-Jan Verhelst, Andreas Smolders, Thomas Beznik, Jeroen Meewis, Arne Vandemeulebroucke, Eman Shaheen, Adriaan Van Gerven, Holger Willems, Constantinus Politis, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Verhelst PJ, Smolders A, Beznik T, Meewis J, Vandemeulebroucke A, Shaheen E, Van Gerven A, Willems H, Politis C, Jacobs R. Layered deep learning for automatic mandibular segmentation in cone-beam computed tomography. J Dent. 2021 Nov;114:103786. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103786. Epub 2021 Aug 20. PMID: 34425172​


Image_layered deep learning
Visual_layered deep learning

Project 6: Influence of dental fillings on the performance of a novel artificial intelligence-driven tool for automatic tooth segmentation on CBCT images


Tooth segmentation is a challenging and time-consuming task, mainly in the presence of artifacts generated by dental filling material. The proposed AI-driven tool could offer a clinically acceptable approach for tooth segmentation, to be applied in the digital dental workflows considering its time efficiency and high accuracy even in the presence of artifacts generated from dental fillings. 


Researchers: Rocharles Cavalcante Fontenele, Maurício do Nascimento Gerhardt, Jáder Camilo Pintom, Adriaan Van Gerven, Holger Willems, Reinhilde Jacobs, Deborah Queiroz Freitas


Published on:

Fontenele RC, Gerhardt MDN, Pinto JC, Van Gerven A, Willems H, Jacobs R, Freitas DQ. Influence of dental fillings and tooth type on the performance of a novel artificial intelligence-driven tool for automatic tooth segmentation on CBCT images - A validation study. J Dent. 2022 Feb 18;119:104069. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2022.104069. Online ahead of print. PMID: 35183696


Project 5: Development and validation of a novel artificial intelligence driven tool for accurate mandibular canal segmentation on CBCT


The objective of this study is the development and validation of a novel artificial intelligence driven tool for fast and accurate mandibular canal segmentation on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Given the importance of adequate pre-operative mandibular canal assessment, Artificial Intelligence could help relieve practitioners from the delicate and time-consuming task of manually tracing and segmenting this structure, helping prevent per- and post-operative neurovascular complications.


Researchers: Pierre Lahoud, Siebe Diels, Liselot Niclaes, Stijn Van Aelst, Holger Willems, Adriaan Van Gerven, Marc Quirynen, Reinhilde Jacobs.


Published on:

Lahoud P, Diels S, Niclaes L, Van Aelst S, Willems H, Van Gerven A, Quirynen M, Jacobs R. Development and validation of a novel artificial intelligence driven tool for accurate mandibular canal segmentation on CBCT. J Dent. 2022 Jan;116:103891. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103891. Epub 2021 Nov 13. PMID: 34780873.


Project 4: Automatic segmentation of the pharyngeal airway space with convolutional neural network


The rationale behind this topic:

Pharyngeal airway space assessment has been an area of interest for clinicians allowing efficient diagnosis, treatment planning and follow-up of patients with dento-skeletal deformities and obstructive sleep apnea which might influence the dimensions of upper airway space. Recently, deep learning convolutional neural networks (CNNs), has gained much attention in the dentomaxillofacial field for segmenting and evaluating the airway space. This project aims to propose and investigate the performance of a deep learning-based 3D CNN model for PAS segmentation from CT/CBCT images.


Researchers: Sohaib Shujaat, Omid Jazil, Holger Willems, Adriaan Van Gerven, Eman Shaheen, Constantinus Politis, Reinhilde Jacobs.


Published on:

Shujaat S, Jazil O, Willems H, Van Gerven A, Shaheen E, Politis C, Jacobs R. Automatic segmentation of the pharyngeal airway space with convolutional neural network. J Dent. 2021 May;103705. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2021.103705.


Project 3: A novel artificial intelligence tool for accurate tooth segmentation on CBCT


Researchers: Pierre Lahoud, Mostafa EzEldeen, Thomas Beznik, Holger Willems, André Ferreira Leite, Adriaan Van Gerven, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Lahoud P, EzEldeen M, Beznik T, Willems H, Leite A, Van Gerven A, et al. Artificial intelligence for fast and accurate 3D tooth segmentation on CBCT. J Endod. 2021 Jan.

Project 2: AI-driven molar angulation measurements to predict third molar eruption on panoramic radiographs


Researchers: Myrthel Vranckx, Adriaan Van Gerven, Holger Willems, Arne Vandemeulebroucke, André Ferreira Leite, Constantinus Politis, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Vranckx M, Van Gerven A, Willems H, Vandemeulebroucke A, Ferreira Leite A, Politis C, Jacobs R. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Molar Angulation Measurements to Predict Third Molar Eruption on Panoramic Radiographs. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 May 25;17(10):3716. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17103716. PMID: 32466156; PMCID: PMC7277237.

Project 1: Accurate and fast deep learning tool for tooth detection and segmentation on panoramic radiographs


Researchers: André Ferreira Leite, Adriaan Van Gerven, Holger Willems, Thomas Beznik, Pierre Lahoud, Hugo Gaêta-Araujo, Myrthel Vranckx, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

Leite AF, Gerven AV, Willems H, Beznik T, Lahoud P, Gaêta-Araujo H, Vranckx M, Jacobs R. Artificial intelligence-driven novel tool for tooth detection and segmentation on panoramic radiographs. Clin Oral Investig. 2020 Aug 26. doi: 10.1007/s00784-020-03544-6. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 32844259.


Book chapters


Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM)


Researchers: Maurício do Nascimento Gerhardt, Sohaib Shujaat, Reinhilde Jacobs


Published on:

do Nascimento Gerhardt M., Shujaat S., Jacobs R. (2021) AIM in Dentistry. In: Lidströmer N., Ashrafian H. (eds) Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-58080-3_319-1


Abstract:

The steep rise of digital dentistry and technological advancements have opened doors for the development of artificial intelligence (AI). For the past few years, AI-based applications in dentistry have been constantly evolving as highlighted by the increasing number of studies, and now it is slowly entering the clinical arena. As healthcare professionals, dentists need to diagnose, plan, and make clinical decisions in order to provide an adequate treatment and care for their patients. All these phases are time-consuming, observer-dependent, and subjected to human error. Currently, the studies applying AI in many dental specialties have validated its application for the purpose of diagnosis and clinical decision-making. Thus, the objective of AI is to combine the professional expertise with the computer-assisted systems to automatize complex tasks, mimic human cognitive skills, and retrieve information from digital data. Dental AI applications can be advantageous for all dental specialties including dentomaxillofacial radiology, restorative dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, endodontics, and forensic dentistry.

This chapter provides an overview of the current state of the art of the AI applications in dentistry and its specialties.


Privacy policy

OK