A novel collaborative learning model for mixed dentition and fillings segmentation in panoramic radiographs.

INTRODUCTION: It is critical for dentists to identify and differentiate primary and permanent teeth, fillings, dental restorations and areas with pathological findings when reviewing dental radiographs to ensure that an accurate diagnosis is made and the optimal treatment can be planned. Unfortunately, dental radiographs are sometimes read incorrectly due to human error or low-quality images. While secondary or group review can help catch errors, many dentists work in practice alone and/or do not have time to review all of their patients' radiographs with another dentist. Artificial intelligence may facilitate the accurate interpretation of radiographs. To help support the review of panoramic radiographs, we developed a novel collaborative learning model that simultaneously identifies and differentiates primary and permanent teeth and detects fillings. METHODS: We used publicly accessible dental panoramic radiographic images and images obtained from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Dentistry to develop and optimize two high-performance classifiers: (1) a system for tooth segmentation that can differentiate primary and permanent teeth and (2) a system to detect dental fillings. RESULTS: By utilizing these high-performance classifiers, we created models that can identify primary and permanent teeth (mean average precision [mAP] 95.32 % and performance [F-1] 92.50 %), as well as their associated dental fillings (mAP 91.53 % and F-1 91.00 %). We also designed a novel method for collaborative learning that utilizes these two classifiers to enhance recognition performance (mAP 94.09 % and F-1 93.41 %). CONCLUSIONS: Our model improves upon the existing machine learning models to simultaneously identify and differentiate primary and permanent teeth, and to identify any associated fillings. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Human error can lead to incorrect readings of panoramic radiographs. By developing artificial intelligence and machine learning methods to analyze panoramic radiographs, dentists can use this information to support their radiograph interpretations, help communicate the information to patients, and assist dental students learning to read radiographs.

A mini review on the common methods of pain reduction before filler and botulinum toxin injection.

BACKGROUND: As the desire for beauty and youthful appearance has increased in recent years, cosmetic injections are getting more attention. However, patients discomfort during these injections is a challenging issue. AIM: This review explores common approaches to reduce pain and discomfort during cosmetic injections through the available literature. METHODS: The eligible studies through searching in PubMed have been entered to evaluate the common methods of pain reduction for cosmetic injections. RESULTS: According to reviewed studies, vibration, local anesthesia, and vapocoolant anesthesia are common methods applied in order to reduce pain and discomfort in patients. All of these methods are able to reduce pain through their affects on neuron fibers. CONCLUSION: It seems that all common approaches can result in some amount of pain reduction. Using a combination of these methods during injections, practitioners can successfully reduce the pain of injection.

Effect of Camellia sinensis plant on decreasing the level of halitosis: A systematic review.

Tea is the second most consumed beverage. Polyphenolic catechins of green tea have a number of beneficial effects in oral cavity. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effects of green tea on halitosis through a systematic review of available literature. All available randomized, clinical trials - with a relevant subject that met the inclusion criteria - were included by searching PubMed, Cochrane, ProQuest, and Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. To score the selected articles, 27 items of CONSORT 2010 checklist were considered. Each article was reviewed by all the authors. Searching the PubMed database yielded 42 articles, 2 of which met the inclusion criteria. None of the 12 articles were obtained through Cochrane library, and 85 articles retrieved from ProQuest database met the inclusion criteria. Three hundred and five articles were obtained from Google Scholar, three of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two articles were omitted because they were duplicated, and the rest were excluded. Searching the Scopus database yielded 270 articles, 2 of which met the inclusion criteria, but they were also duplicated. Finally, two studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria of the study. In both of the included articles, the early effect of green tea use was statistically significant in comparison with baseline. One of the studies showed the long-term effect of green tea mouthwash. Green tea can reduce halitosis through rinsing and antimicrobial effect.

Irreversible pulpitis and achieving profound anesthesia: Complexities and managements.

Dental pain management is one of the most critical aspects of modern dentistry. Irreversible pulpitis and further root canal therapy might cause an untolerated pain to the patients. The improvements in anesthetic agents and techniques were one of the advantages of studying nerve biology and stimulation. This article tried to overview of the nerve activities in inflammatory environments or induced pain. Furthermore, the proper advises, and supplementary techniques were reviewed for better pain management of irreversible pulpitis.

A Mini-review on the Effect of Mini-implants on Contemporary Orthodontic Science.

The purpose of this literature review was to screen the valuable published articles regarding to the impacts of mini-implants on orthodontic science, briefly. The searching category was performed on the Pubmed using MeSH words such as "dental (mini) implants, orthodontic anchorage procedures, and orthodontic appliances." After preliminary sketch, they were grouped as follow: Those evaluating (a) common appliances for providing orthodontic anchorage, (b) biomechanical details of mini-implants and their insertion, (c) clinical application of mini-implants for orthognathic treatments, (d) limitations and possible complications. In conclusion, mini-implant evolved the orthodontic treatment plans and compromised the required orthognathic surgery. Malocclusion treatment and pure orthodontic or orthopedic movements in the three-dimensions have become recently possible by using mini-implant to provide skeletal anchorage.