Digital X-ray Dental Diagnosis Using DEJ Optical Density Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for diagnosing and evaluating dental and periodontal diseases using digital x-ray images are not sufficiently reliable due to variations in film, x-ray sources, imaging sensors, and subjective interpretation, leading to inaccurate diagnoses and potential loss of revenue and patient trust.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the location and measurement of optical density along the dento-enamel junction for tooth decay and bone depth for periodontal disease, with calibration standards to correct for image variations, using software algorithms to calculate numerical decay and crestal density values for accurate diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If digital x-ray images are used for diagnosis, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to variations in imaging systems and subjective interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual inspection with automated computer algorithms that objectively measure optical density values along the DEJ contour. The system automatically calculates decay values based on measured optical densities, eliminating human subjectivity and improving measurement precision while maintaining digital imaging efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms qualitative visual assessment into quantitative numerical parameters by measuring optical density at specific locations along the DEJ contour. The system calculates numerical decay values based on these measurements, enabling objective comparison and improving diagnostic reliability through standardized numerical criteria
2Measurement precision
If automated algorithms are used to analyze x-ray images, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex image analysis task into discrete manageable steps: (1) locating the DEJ contour, (2) measuring optical density along contours parallel to the DEJ, (3) calculating numerical decay values based on measured densities. This segmentation of the analysis process simplifies implementation while maintaining high measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of dental and periodontal disease diagnosis, reducing false positives and negatives, and providing objective, numerical values for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions, thereby improving patient care and revenue streams.
Implementation Method 1
measuring optical density (relative to the absorption of x-rays in the electromagnetic spectrum used for radiographs—i.e. radiodensity) along contours substantially parallel to and on either side of the DEJ contour
Implementation Method 2
Calibration standards may be employed for facilitating calculation of the numerical values
Data Source
AI summary
A method for diagnosis and evaluation of tooth decay comprises: locating in an x-ray image the contour of the dento-enamel junction (DEJ); measuring optical density along contours substantially parallel to and on either side of the DEJ contour; and calculating at least one decay value from the measured optical densities. A method for diagnosis and evaluation of periodontal disease comprises: measuring in an x-ray image a bone depth (BD) relative to the position of the cemento-enamel junctions (CEJs) of adjacent teeth;measuring bone density along a contour between the adjacent teeth; and calculating a crestal density (CD) value from the measured bone density. Calibration standards may be employed for facilitating calculation of the values. A dental digital x-ray imaging calibration method for at least partly correcting for variations of the optical densities of images acquired from the dental digital x-ray imaging system.