Design and Development of a Transillumination-based Intraoral Imaging Probe for Dental Implant Localization

Multiple usage of ionizing radiation exposure from conventional imaging methods, such as CT scans and X-rays for dental implant procedures lead to significant risks to the patient. This study involves the design and development of a transillumination-based intraoral imaging probe as a radiation-free alternative for the visualization of dental implant after healing, when the gums fully cover the metal implant. For validation, the probe was tried and tested on tissue-mimicking Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) phantoms with a buried M2 metallic screw imitating a dental implant. The accuracy of the probe in predicting implant diameter was validated by quantitative analysis of intensity profiles, achieving an error rate of 5.29%. The imaging probe showcased key implant features, potentially offering a safer approach to locating implant.