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.
Department of Oral Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. bruellmd@mail.uni-mainz.de
Dan Dominik
DD
Brüllmann
Patrick
P
Alvarez
Britta
B
Willershausen
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