Fluorescence pH Imaging for Early Tooth Decay Risk Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic tools fail to identify areas at risk of tooth decay in the future, and existing methods are not effective in predicting tooth decay before it occurs, leading to expensive and painful treatments.
Innovation Solution
A method involving training images and labels to develop a computational model that determines pH levels inside a patient's mouth using fluorescence from samples, utilizing CMOS image sensors and machine learning algorithms to analyze pixel intensities and generate pH level indications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual and tactile inspection is used to evaluate dental surfaces, then current diagnostic tools can detect existing tooth decay, but they fail to identify areas at risk of future decay
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of pH changes in dental plaque before tooth decay becomes visible or detectable by conventional methods. By monitoring pH levels dynamically, the system identifies areas at risk of future decay, enabling early intervention before actual decay occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pH level as an intermediary parameter to predict tooth decay risk. Instead of directly detecting decay, it measures pH changes in dental plaque caused by bacterial metabolism, which serve as early indicators of areas prone to future decay.
2Reliability
If conventional diagnostic tools are used, then existing tooth decay can be detected, but treatment becomes expensive and painful by the time decay is identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables preliminary detection of pH changes that precede actual tooth decay. By identifying areas at risk before decay occurs, the system provides lead time for preventive measures, avoiding the need for expensive and painful restorative treatments.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging with multiple filters is used, then pH level measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple independent filter modules, each with a specific passband wavelength. This modular segmentation allows the complex multi-wavelength imaging system to be broken down into manageable components that can be independently controlled and calibrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (wavelength, intensity) dynamically to extract pH information. By capturing images at multiple wavelengths and analyzing the spectral characteristics of fluorescent dye emission, the system determines pH levels without requiring a single complex fixed system.
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
Enables early detection of tooth decay by accurately identifying areas prone to decay through dynamic pH measurements, allowing for proactive dental care and reducing the risk of tooth loss.
Implementation Method 1
a first band pass filter having a critical wavelength of 520 nm +/â15 nm configured to receive a first beam from the beam splitter; a second band pass filter having a critical wavelength of 550 nm +/â15 nm configured to receive a second beam from the beam splitter
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes accessing training images and labels, where the training images depict fluorescence from samples and the labels indicate pH levels of the samples. The method also includes training a computational model, using the training images and the labels, to determine pH levels on tissue inside of a patient's mouth depicted by captured images. Another method includes generating one or more images of tissue inside of a patient's mouth, where the one or more images depict fluorescence from the tissue. The method also includes determining a pH level on the tissue using a model and pixel intensities of the one or more images, and generating an indication of the pH level on the tissue.