Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the future of artificial intelligence in oral radiology in India: A survey.

PURPOSE: This study investigated knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the future of artificial intelligence (AI) for radiological diagnosis among dental specialists in central India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey was conducted consisting of 15 closed-ended questions using Google Forms and circulated among dental professionals in central India. The survey consisted of questions regarding participants' recognition of and attitudes toward AI, their opinions on directions of AI development, and their perceptions regarding the future of AI in oral radiology. RESULTS: Of the 250 participating dentists, 68% were already familiar with the concept of AI, 69% agreed that they expect to use AI for making dental diagnoses, 51% agreed that the major function of AI would be the interpretation of complicated radiographic scans, and 63% agreed that AI would have a future in India. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that dental specialists were well aware of the concept of AI, that AI programs could be used as an adjunctive tool by dentists to increasing their diagnostic precision when interpreting radiographs, and that AI has a promising role in radiological diagnosis.

Antibacterial Effect of Aloe Vera Gel against Oral Pathogens: An In-vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Natural herbal remedies have shown promising anti-microbial property and fewer side effects compared to synthetic anti-microbial therapy. Aloe Vera is a medicinal plant used for management of various infections since ancient times as it has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and immune-boosting properties. AIM: The aim of the present study was to determine the anti-microbial and inhibitory activities of various concentration of Aloe Vera Gel (AVG) against oral pathogenic bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival calculus and aspiration of periapical abscess and periodontal abscess was done in 20 patients and the sample transferred to thioglycolate broth, which was incubated in Mutans Sanguis agar, blood agar and cultured in anaerobic gas chamber. The colonies formed were identified further by gram staining methods and biochemical fermentation tests (IMViC). Each isolated colony of identified bacteria were cultured separately in Muller-Hilton broth and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. Anti-microbial activity of the AVG was tested by the disc diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by broth micro-dilution method. RESULT: Various staining and biochemical tests confirmed that the sample contained Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), Clostridium bacilli (C. bacilli), Streptcoccus mutans (S. mutans) and Staphlococcus aureus (Staph. aureus). AVG showed anti-bacterial property at 100% and 50% concentration ('t' value = 7.504, p-value <0.001). At lower concentration there was no effect against the bacteria. At 100% AVG concentration, zone of inhibition measured was 6.9mm in A. actinomycetemcomitans, 6.3mm in C. bacilli, 6.8mm in S. mutans and 6.6mm in Staph. aureus. The standard drugs were also used to compare anti-bacterial property of AVG. Result showed that higher concentration (100%, 50%) of AVG has comparable zone of inhibition with Ofloxacin (5mcg) and Ciprofloxacin (30mcg). CONCLUSION: AVG at higher concentration showed anti-bacterial property and can be used as a promising adjunct for oral health care.

A rare case report of myxoid fibroma of maxilla.

This case report describes about a swelling in maxillary right posterior teeth region. On examination the swelling was solid, pinkish, red, non-ulcerated & non-tender overgrowth at the right maxillary posterior teeth region with no buccal or palatal expansion. Panoramic radiograph revealed a faint radiolucent area with few radiopaque foci and histopathological examination showed myxoid fibroma. Further, correlation of clinical, radiological & histopathological feature; essential to diagnose lesion which lack the characteristic features are also discussed.

Effects of dose reduction on multi-detector computed tomographic images in evaluating the maxilla and mandible for pre-surgical implant planning: a cadaveric study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess effects of dose reduction on image quality in evaluating maxilla and mandible for pre-surgical implant planning using cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cadavers were used for the study using multi-detector computed tomography (CT) operated at 120 kV and the variable tube current of 80, 40, 20 and 10 mA. A slice thickness of 0.625 mm and pitch 1 were used. Multi-planar images perpendicular and parallel to dentitions were created. The images were evaluated by five oral radiologists in terms of visibility of the anatomical landmarks including alveolar crest, mandibular canal, floors of the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity, contours/cortical layer of jaw bones and the details of trabecular bone. Observers were asked to determine the quality of the images in comparison with 80 mA images based on the criteria: excellent, good, fair or non-diagnostic. The average scores of all observers were calculated for each specimen in all exposure conditions. RESULTS: The 40 mA images could visualize such landmarks and were evaluated to be same or almost equivalent in quality to the 80 mA images. Even the 20 mA images could be accepted just for diagnostic purpose for implant with substantial deterioration of the image quality. The 10 mA images may not be accepted because of the obscured contour caused by image noise. CONCLUSION: Significant dose reduction by lowering mA can be utilized for pre-surgical implant planning in multi-detector CT.

Effects of tube current on cone-beam computerized tomography image quality for presurgical implant planning in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of tube current reduction on the quality of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) images of the maxilla and mandible for presurgical implant planning. STUDY DESIGN: Six cadaver heads were imaged with a CBCT (3D Accuitomo) operated at 80 kVp and variable tube current (8, 4, 2, or 1 mA) in full-scan mode. For the posterior region of maxilla and mandible, half-scans were also performed at similar settings. The images were evaluated independently by 5 oral radiologists for 15 anatomic landmarks regarding presurgical implant planning. The quality of images were compared with their respective reference images at 8 mA and ranked on a 4-point rating scale as excellent, good, fair, or nondiagnostic. The scores of all observers were averaged for each landmark at every exposure condition, and Bonferroni test (P<.05) was performed. RESULTS: The 4 mA images at full-scan mode could visualize each landmark of maxilla and mandible and were evaluated to be the same or almost equivalent in quality as the 8 mA images. Even 2 mA images in full-scan mode and 4 mA in half-scan mode could be used for implant planning. The 1 mA images were unacceptable owing to the substantial degradation in image quality. CONCLUSION: Significant dose reduction can be achieved by reducing tube current without substantial loss of image quality for presurgical implant planning in CBCT.