A Deep Learning-Based Approach for the Detection of Early Signs of Gingivitis in Orthodontic Patients Using Faster Region-Based Convolutional Neural Networks.

Computer-based technologies play a central role in the dentistry field, as they present many methods for diagnosing and detecting various diseases, such as periodontitis. The current study aimed to develop and evaluate the state-of-the-art object detection and recognition techniques and deep learning algorithms for the automatic detection of periodontal disease in orthodontic patients using intraoral images. In this study, a total of 134 intraoral images were divided into a training dataset (n = 107 [80%]) and a test dataset (n = 27 [20%]). Two Faster Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) models using ResNet-50 Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) were developed. The first model detects the teeth to locate the region of interest (ROI), while the second model detects gingival inflammation. The detection accuracy, precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP) were calculated to verify the significance of the proposed model. The teeth detection model achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, and mAP of 100 %, 100%, 51.85%, and 100%, respectively. The inflammation detection model achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, and mAP of 77.12%, 88.02%, 41.75%, and 68.19%, respectively. This study proved the viability of deep learning models for the detection and diagnosis of gingivitis in intraoral images. Hence, this highlights its potential usability in the field of dentistry and aiding in reducing the severity of periodontal disease globally through preemptive non-invasive diagnosis.

Clinical relevance of dexterity in oral hygiene.

Introduction Dental plaque is a major aetiological factor in the development of periodontal disease; thus, it is essential to remove dental plaque to maintain good oral health. We used a simple method to visually evaluate a patient's dexterity to assess their oral care efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate dexterity and the effect it has on plaque control. Materials and methods A total of 80 patients, aged between 18 and 60 years, participated in this study. Participants were asked to pick up peas using chopsticks, and transfer them from one box (box A) to an empty box (box B), within one minute. The numbers of peas in box B were then counted. The plaque index score was recorded before and after standardised oral hygiene instructions (OHI) were given to each participant. Age, sex, dominant hand, and the result of the dexterity test were compared. Results Dexterity was the only significant predictor of improvement in oral hygiene after the OHI. All other variables were included in the model but none were reliable predictors. Conclusion Dexterity might be a good predictor of improvement in oral hygiene. We conclude that dexterity should be assessed in order to provide tailored instructions to each individual.

Popularity of suture materials among residents and faculty members of a postdoctoral periodontology program.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the favoritism of suture materials among a group of clinicians at a teaching institution. METHODS: The surveys included 11 absorbable and nine non-absorbable sutures. The surveyor was asked to select his or her suture preferences when it comes to using it in 13 different, commonly-performed surgical procedures. RESULTS: The surveys showed overall preferences for non-absorbable versus absorbable sutures. Chromic Gut with a 4-0 diameter thread reverse cutting FS2 needle was the most favored suture. For periodontal bone grafts and hard tissue ridge augmentation, polytetrafluoroethylene with a 4-0 thread and FS2 needle was preferred. For autogenous gingival grafts, gingival allografts, connective tissue grafts, frenectomy and frenoplasty, Chromic Gut with 5-0 diameter thread reverse cutting P3 needle was favored. For extraction socket preservation, soft tissue canine exposure, ridge augmentation, and dental implants, Chromic Gut with 4-0 diameter thread reverse cutting FS2 needle was preferred, and for sinus augmentation, Vicryl with a 4-0 diameter thread reverse cutting FS2 needle was favored. CONCLUSION: Absorbable sutures were preferred in the majority of periodontal procedures; however, non-absorbable sutures were favored in procedures that required longer healing or better stability of the flap edges in cases of periodontal and ridge augmentation.

Efficacy of a new papilla generation technique in implant dentistry: a preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of a new uncovering technique with that of the conventional uncovering technique for papilla generation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients with 67 implants were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatment groups (test and control). Implants of the test group were uncovered by the new technique and implants of the other group uncovered by the conventional technique (simple midcrestal incision). The height of each papilla after uncovering at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months and the thickness of the tissue covering the implant prior the uncovering were measured. PPD, PI, GI, and BOP measurements were made at 0 and 6 months, and standardized radiographs were obtained at 0, 3, and 6 months. Subject means were used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean difference between the 2 surgical methods revealed that the new technique provided 1.5 mm greater papilla height (P < .001) at all 3 visits (baseline, 3, and 6 months) for implants adjacent to teeth. An overall significant difference for papilla height between the implants was detected between the 2 groups (P = .02). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups with regard to PPD, PI, GI, BOP, thickness of soft tissue, or overall bone level measurements during the course of the study. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, it appears that over the course of 6 months, the new surgical approach for uncovering leads to a more favorable soft tissue response.

Effect of margin location on crown preparation resistance form.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM: The location of preparation margins may compromise the fixed prosthodontic restoration's resistance form. Purpose This study evaluated changes of opposite wall margin position on rotational resistance form compared to the equal-height margin configuration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The trigonometric computation of the minimal resistance form preparation taper, alpha1 , was determined using a previously described formula. The alpha1-values for different tooth sizes with variation of base widths (range 4 to 10 mm) and vertical wall heights (range 4 to 9 mm) were calculated. The alpha1-values represent resistance form with both opposing wall margins at the same vertical height position. The alpha2-values were calculated with additional formulas to address uneven margin heights. Calculated alpha2-values of 10 degrees or less were considered clinically significant due to the known level of difficulty for the clinician. RESULTS: As a general trend, the alpha2-values were reduced compared to the alpha1-values with shortening opposing vertical wall heights in all tooth-size categories. Clinically significant changes in the resistance form taper were shown in all tooth size categories except the smallest 4-mm tooth base size. CONCLUSION: Fixed prosthodontic restoration resistance form is negatively affected by uneven vertical margin placement. This phenomenon reduces the resistance form of the restoration compared to equal-height margin placement.