Recognition of root canal orifices in video sequences as a future support system during endodontic treatment.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to show the practical application of computer-aided techniques for detecting root canal orifices through the access cavity using a video camera mounted on a microscope.


METHODS
A minimum distance classification image recognition algorithm was tested in an in vitro study to assess the possibilities of computer-aided recognition of root canal orifices. A Motic DM143 digital stereo microscope (Motic Germany GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) was used because it includes a video camera that can be connected via USB1.1 to any computer.


RESULTS
The newly developed software is capable of communicating with a video camera and can automatically detect the root canal orifices in all teeth used in this study. A total of 165 extracted human teeth (molars and premolars) were used as test data to collect 8,250 images via screenshots for the evaluation of the detection quality. The software provided a detection sensitivity of 90.1%, with only 11.9% of the images as false-positive detections.


CONCLUSIONS
The study shows that computer-aided recognition of root canal orifices with video cameras is possible.
Brüllmann
Dan Dominik
DD
Department of Oral Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. bruellmd@mail.uni-mainz.de
Alvarez
Patrick
P
Willershausen
Britta
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000465:Algorithms; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008853:Microscopy / Q000295:instrumentation; D008875:Middle Aged; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods*; D018915:Root Canal Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D014741:Video Recording / Q000295:instrumentation