Deep learning in dental radiographic image analysis: A review

• Author Details:   
• Hemalatha Shanmugam ^*
• Lavanya Airen
• Saumya Rawat

---

Radiography is an important part of providing patients with good dental care, assisting with its most vital step- identifying diseases and irregularities on a dental image. Digital dentistry is thriving thanks to the emergence of Deep learning, a subdivision of Artificial Intelligence. It has upgraded the accuracy of diagnosis and efficiency of devising the treatment plan, further cutting down human errors and reducing the overall workload of dentists. These AI models can appropriately identify anatomical structures, such as categorizing the different types of teeth, and detect abnormalities, including periapical pathologies, jaw tumors, cysts, and oral cancer lesions. Apart from diagnosis, Deep Learning (DL) algorithms can thoroughly analyze the dental radiograph images to predict the treatment plan in orthodontic and implant treatments. However, with rapidly advancing technology, dental clinicians often find it challenging to grasp deep learning concepts applied in the sector due to a lack of education and training. This paper reviews deep learning concepts and their use in various modalities of dentistry with evidence from the studies performed by professionals and submitted to multiple journals.

Keywords: Dental imaging, Dental radiography, Convolutional neural network (CNN), Deep learning, Artificial intelligence