Detecting tooth wear using intra-oral 3D scans

Abstract

A method for detecting tooth wear using digital 3D models of teeth taken at different times. The digital 3D models of teeth are segmented to identify individual teeth within the digital 3D model. The segmentation includes performing a first segmentation method that over segments at least some of the teeth within the model and a second segmentation method that classifies points within the model as being either on an interior of a tooth or on a boundary between teeth. The results of the first and second segmentation methods are combined to generate segmented digital 3D models. The segmented digital 3D models of teeth are compared to detect tooth wear by determining differences between the segmented models, where the differences relate to the same tooth to detect wear on the tooth over time.

Description

Background technique [0001] Tooth wear (eg, that associated with bruxism) and receding gums are two conditions (amongst many defects) that can have serious medical consequences if not treated promptly by a dental professional. In the case of bruxism, lateral movement and grinding of teeth can cause significant tooth wear and lead to muscle pain, temporomandibular joint problems, and headaches. In some cases, this can lead to exposed dentin, cavities, and even broken teeth. [0002] Despite the seriousness of these potential consequences, dental professionals have limited tools to diagnose and assess the severity of tooth wear and gingival recession. In the case of tooth wear, these tools include patient questionnaires, clinical examinations by dentists, and bite force measurements. Clinical examination can be performed using an individual tooth wear index, which a dentist can provide a score between 0 and 3 based on visual assessment. However, none of these methods directly...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

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