Developing deep learning methods for classification of teeth in dental panoramic radiography

We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence-based clinical dental decision-support system using deep-learning methods to reduce diagnostic interpretation error and time and increase the effectiveness of dental treatment and classification.

We compared the performance of 2 deep-learning methods, You Only Look Once V4 (YOLO-V4) and Faster Regions with the Convolutional Neural Networks (R-CNN), for tooth classification in dental panoramic radiography for tooth classification in dental panoramic radiography to determine which is more successful in terms of accuracy, time, and detection ability. Using a method based on deep-learning models trained on a semantic segmentation task, we analyzed 1200 panoramic radiographs selected retrospectively. In the classification process, our model identified 36 classes, including 32 teeth and 4 impacted teeth.

The YOLO-V4 method achieved a mean 99.90% precision, 99.18% recall, and 99.54% F1 score. The Faster R-CNN method achieved a mean 93.67% precision, 90.79% recall, and 92.21% F1 score. Experimental evaluations showed that the YOLO-V4 method outperformed the Faster R-CNN method in terms of accuracy of predicted teeth in the tooth classification process, speed of tooth classification, and ability to detect impacted and erupted third molars.

The YOLO-V4 method outperforms the Faster R-CNN method in terms of accuracy of tooth prediction, speed of detection, and ability to detect impacted third molars and erupted third molars. The proposed deep learning based methods can assist dentists in clinical decision making, save time, and reduce the negative effects of stress and fatigue in daily practice.