Are Panoramic Images a Good Tool to Detect Calcified Carotid Atheroma? A Systematic Review.

To investigate the reliability of panoramic dental images to detect calcified carotid atheroma, electronic databases (PubMed, IEEE/Xplore and Embase) were searched. Outcomes included cerebrovascular disease events, cardiovascular disease events, patient previous diseases, and combined endpoints. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Hence, 15 studies were selected from 507 potential manuscripts. Five studies had a low risk of bias, while the remaining nine studies were found to have a moderate risk. Heterogeneous results were obtained but showed that patients with risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking, and with calcified carotid atheroma on panoramic images, have a higher prevalence than healthy patients. The evidence in the literature was found to be equivocal. However, the findings of this systematic review exhibit that panoramic radiographs can be used for dental diagnosis and treatment planning, as well as to detect calcified carotid artery atheroma.

A Convolutional Neural Network for Automatic Tooth Numbering in Panoramic Images.

Analysis of dental radiographs and images is an important and common part of the diagnostic process in daily clinical practice. During the diagnostic process, the dentist must interpret, among others, tooth numbering. This study is aimed at proposing a convolutional neural network (CNN) that performs this task automatically for panoramic radiographs. A total of 8,000 panoramic images were categorized by two experts with more than three years of experience in general dentistry. The neural network consists of two main layers: object detection and classification, which is the support of the previous one and a transfer learning to improve computing time and precision. A Matterport Mask RCNN was employed in the object detection. A ResNet101 was employed in the classification layer. The neural model achieved a total loss of 6.17% (accuracy of 93.83%). The architecture of the model achieved an accuracy of 99.24% in tooth detection and 93.83% in numbering teeth with different oral health conditions.

A Validation Employing Convolutional Neural Network for the Radiographic Detection of Absence or Presence of Teeth.

Dental radiography plays an important role in clinical diagnosis, treatment and making decisions. In recent years, efforts have been made on developing techniques to detect objects in images. The aim of this study was to detect the absence or presence of teeth using an effective convolutional neural network, which reduces calculation times and has success rates greater than 95%. A total of 8000 dental panoramic images were collected. Each image and each tooth was categorized, independently and manually, by two experts with more than three years of experience in general dentistry. The neural network used consists of two main layers: object detection and classification, which is the support of the previous one. A Matterport Mask RCNN was employed in the object detection. A ResNet (Atrous Convolution) was employed in the classification layer. The neural model achieved a total loss of 0.76% (accuracy of 99.24%). The architecture used in the present study returned an almost perfect accuracy in detecting teeth on images from different devices and different pathologies and ages.

Dental Caries Diagnosis and Detection Using Neural Networks: A Systematic Review.

Dental caries is the most prevalent dental disease worldwide, and neural networks and artificial intelligence are increasingly being used in the field of dentistry. This systematic review aims to identify the state of the art of neural networks in caries detection and diagnosis. A search was conducted in PubMed, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Xplore, and ScienceDirect. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook tool. Thirteen studies were included. Most of the included studies employed periapical, near-infrared light transillumination, and bitewing radiography. The image databases ranged from 87 to 3000 images, with a mean of 669 images. Seven of the included studies labeled the dental caries in each image by experienced dentists. Not all of the studies detailed how caries was defined, and not all detailed the type of carious lesion detected. Each study included in this review used a different neural network and different outcome metrics. All this variability complicates the conclusions that can be made about the reliability or not of a neural network to detect and diagnose caries. A comparison between neural network and dentist results is also necessary.

Influence of Bone Definition and Finite Element Parameters in Bone and Dental Implants Stress: A Literature Review.

Bone plays an important role in dental implant treatment success. The goal of this literature review is to analyze the influence of bone definition and finite element parameters on stress in dental implants and bone in numerical studies. A search was conducted of Pubmed, Science Direct and LILACS, and two independent reviewers performed the data extraction. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Cochrane Handbook tool for clinical trials. Seventeen studies were included. Titanium was the most commonly-used material in dental implants. The magnitude of the applied loads varied from 15 to 300 N with a mean of 182 N. Complete osseointegration was the most common boundary condition. Evidence from this review suggests that bone is commonly defined as an isotropic material, despite being an anisotropic tissue, and that it is analyzed as a ductile material, instead of as a fragile material. In addition, and in view of the data analyzed in this review, it can be concluded that there is no standardization for conducting finite element studies in the field of dentistry. Convergence criteria are only detailed in two of the studies included in this review, although they are a key factor in obtaining accurate results in numerical studies. It is therefore necessary to implement a methodology that indicates which parameters a numerical simulation must include, as well as how the results should be analyzed.

A Finite Element Analysis to Compare Stress Distribution on Extra-Short Implants with Two Different Internal Connections.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to analyze the stress distribution on two types of extra-short dental implants with 5 mm of length: An internal hexagon (IH) and morse taper connection (MT). METHODS: The three-dimensional model was composed of trabecular and cortical bone, a crown, an extra-short dental implant and their components. An axial load of 150 N was applied and another inclined 30° with the same magnitude. RESULTS: Stress concentrations on the IH implant are observed in the region of the first threads for the screw. However, in the MT implant the highest stress occurs at the edges of the upper implant platform. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the results obtained in this study the two types of prosthetic fittings present a good stress distribution. The Morse taper connections presented better behavior than the internal in both loading configurations.

Biomechanical and Histological Analysis of Titanium (Machined and Treated Surface) Versus Zirconia Implant Materials: An In Vivo Animal Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to perform an in vivo histological comparative evaluation of bone formation around titanium (machined and treated surface) and zirconia implants. For the present study were used 50 commercially pure titanium implants grade IV, being that 25 implants with a machined surface (TiM group), 25 implants with a treated surface (TiT group) and, 25 implants were manufactured in pure zirconia (Zr group). The implants (n = 20 per group) were installed in the tibia of 10 rabbits. The implants distribution was randomized (n = 3 implants per tibia). Five implants of each group were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and an optical laser profilometer for surface roughness characterization. Six weeks after the implantation, 10 implants for each group were removed in counter-torque for analysis of maximum torque value. The remaining samples were processed, included in historesin and cut to obtain non-decalcified slides for histomorphological analyses and histomorphometric measurement of the percentage of bone-implant contact (BIC%). Comparisons were made between the groups using a 5% level of significance (p < 0.05) to assess statistical differences. The results of removal torque values (mean ± standard deviation) showed for the TiM group 15.9 ± 4.18 N cm, for TiT group 27.9 ± 5.15 N cm and for Zr group 11.5 ± 2.92 N cm, with significant statistical difference between the groups (p < 0.0001). However, the BIC% presented similar values for all groups (35.4 ± 4.54 for TiM group, 37.8 ± 4.84 for TiT group and 34.0 ± 6.82 for Zr group), with no statistical differences (p = 0.2171). Within the limitations of the present study, the findings suggest that the quality of the new bone tissue formed around the titanium implants present a superior density (maturation) in comparison to the zirconia implants.

Finite element analysis comparing WaveOne, WaveOne Gold, Reciproc and Reciproc Blue responses with bending and torsion tests.

To evaluate the bending and torsional properties of four nickel-titanium endodontic files, we simulated and compared WaveOne® primary size 25 with 0.07 taper, WaveOne Gold® primary size 25 with 0.07 taper, Reciproc® primary size 25 with 0.08 taper, and Reciproc Blue® primary size 25 with 0.08 taper. Three-dimensional models were created using computer-aided design software and numerically analyzed in ANSYS® Workbench. Boundary conditions for the numerical analyses were based on the ISO 3630-1 specifications. The highest stress levels were recorded for WaveOne® and Reciproc®. Numerical results of the bending test showed that WaveOne Gold® is 86% more flexible than WaveOne® with a deflection of 3 mm. Reciproc Blue® was 42.31% more flexible than Reciproc® file with a deflection of 3 mm. The WaveOne® instrument withstood the highest stress under the torsion test, followed by Reciproc®, then Reciproc Blue® files. The stress under torsion in the WaveOne® and WaveOne Gold® files is reduced in a 51%. Regarding Reciproc® and Reciproc Blue® files, the stress under torsional moments remains very similar. Our results exposed a considerable difference in terms of stress tolerance between WaveOne® and WaveOne Gold®. However, Reciproc® files demonstrated a similar stress distribution. The results obtained through finite element analysis suggest that thermal treatment of files might improve their flexibility, increasing resistance during the preparation of highly curved canals. Also, the values obtained regarding the improvement of flexibility were in accordance with the manufacturer claims.

Probability of Failure of Internal Hexagon and Morse Taper Implants with Different Bone Levels: A Mechanical Test and Probabilistic Fatigue.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to foresee the fatigue life of two implant connections, evaluate the failure probability with several bone levels, and compare the in vitro test results with finite element results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mechanical tests were done with 60 implants (Ø3.50 mm), and abutments were used. These implants were divided into two groups with 30 implants each: internal hexagon and Morse taper. Three bone levels and 10 implants for each level were analyzed. The first level was considered at the platform level, the second at 3 mm, and the last level at 5 mm above the platform resin. A quasi-static loading at 30 degrees was applied to the axis of the implant in a universal machine. Six models were created and assembled to reproduce the conditions used in the laboratory testing. All models had restricted all displacement at the bone (bottom and lateral). Loads employed in the numerical test were obtained experimentally. Loads and material properties were supposed to be random. Then, failure probability was calculated by the probabilistic methodology. RESULTS: The internal hexagon group obtained the following mean fracture strengths: 2,092 N at the first level, 1,041 N at the second level, and 898 N at the third level. The mean fracture strengths for the Morse taper group were as follows: 1,687 N at the first level, 1,644 N at the second level, and 1,159 N at the third level. Results obtained by the finite element analysis are in accordance with the in vitro mechanical test results. The Morse taper group obtained a better behavior at bone levels 2 and 3 than the internal hexagon group. An important dependency between failure probability and bone level was found in the internal hexagon group. However, a similar behavior in levels 2 and 3 was obtained for the Morse taper group. CONCLUSION: In view of the mechanical results, the Morse taper group has a better behavior in bone levels 2 and 3 than the internal hexagon group. This is also in accordance with the probabilistic fatigue outcomes.

Complete mechanical characterization of an external hexagonal implant connection: in vitro study, 3D FEM, and probabilistic fatigue.

The aim of this study was to fully characterize the mechanical behavior of an external hexagonal implant connection (ø3.5 mm, 10-mm length) with an in vitro study, a three-dimensional finite element analysis, and a probabilistic fatigue study. Ten implant-abutment assemblies were randomly divided into two groups, five were subjected to a fracture test to obtain the maximum fracture load, and the remaining were exposed to a fatigue test with 360,000 cycles of 150 ± 10 N. After mechanical cycling, all samples were attached to the torque-testing machine and the removal torque was measured in Newton centimeters. A finite element analysis (FEA) was then executed in ANSYS® to verify all results obtained in the mechanical tests. Finally, due to the randomness of the fatigue phenomenon, a probabilistic fatigue model was computed to obtain the probability of failure associated with each cycle load. FEA demonstrated that the fracture corresponded with a maximum stress of 2454 MPa obtained in the in vitro fracture test. Mean life was verified by the three methods. Results obtained by the FEA, the in vitro test, and the probabilistic approaches were in accordance. Under these conditions, no mechanical etiology failure is expected to occur up to 100,000 cycles. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

A New Model to Study Fatigue in Dental Implants Based on Probabilistic Finite Elements and Cumulative Damage Model.

The aim of this study was to predict the fatigue life of two different connections of a dental implant as in load transfer to bone. Two three-dimensional models were created and assembled. All models were subjected to a natural masticatory force of 118 N in the angle of 75° to the occlusal plane. All degrees of freedom in the inferior border of the cortical bone were restrained, and the mesial and distal borders of the end of the bone section were constrained. Fatigue material data and loads were assumed as random variables. Maximum principal stresses on bone were evaluated. Then, the probability of failure was obtained by the probabilistic approach. The maximum principal stress distribution predicted in the cortical and trabecular bone is 32 MPa for external connection and 39 MPa for internal connection. A mean life of 103 and 210 million cycles were obtained for external and internal connection, respectively. Probability cumulative function was also evaluated for both connection types. This stochastic model employs a cumulative damage model and probabilistic finite element method. This methodology allows the possibility of measured uncertainties and has a good precision on the results.

Misfit of Three Different Implant-Abutment Connections Before and After Cyclic Load Application: An In Vitro Study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the misfit of three different implant-abutment connections before and after cycling load. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty dental implants and correspondent prefabricated titanium abutments were used. Three different implant-abutment connections were evaluated: Morse taper (MT group), external hexagon (EH group), and internal hexagon (IH group). Forty implants and 40 abutments were used per group. The parameters for the mechanical evaluation were set as: 360,000 cycles, load of 150 N, and frequency of 4 Hz. Samples were sectioned in their longitudinal and transversal axes, and the misfit of the implant-abutment connection was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy analysis. One-way analyses of variance, Tukey post hoc analyses (α = .05), and t test (P < .05) were used to determine differences between groups. RESULTS: At the longitudinal direction, all the groups showed the presence of microgaps before cycling load; after cycling load, microgaps were reduced in all groups (P > .05). Transversally, only the MT group showed full fitting after cycling load compared with the other groups (EH and IH) (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: The application of cycling load produces an accommodation of the implant-abutment connection in internal, external, and Morse taper connections. In the longitudinal direction, the accommodation decreases and/or eliminates the gap observed initially (before load). In the horizontal direction, Morse cone implant-abutment connections experience a complete accommodation with the elimination of the gap.

Long-Term Fatigue and Its Probability of Failure Applied to Dental Implants.

It is well known that dental implants have a high success rate but even so, there are a lot of factors that can cause dental implants failure. Fatigue is very sensitive to many variables involved in this phenomenon. This paper takes a close look at fatigue analysis and explains a new method to study fatigue from a probabilistic point of view, based on a cumulative damage model and probabilistic finite elements, with the goal of obtaining the expected life and the probability of failure. Two different dental implants were analysed. The model simulated a load of 178 N applied with an angle of 0°, 15°, and 20° and a force of 489 N with the same angles. Von Mises stress distribution was evaluated and once the methodology proposed here was used, the statistic of the fatigue life and the probability cumulative function were obtained. This function allows us to relate each cycle life with its probability of failure. Cylindrical implant has a worst behaviour under the same loading force compared to the conical implant analysed here. Methodology employed in the present study provides very accuracy results because all possible uncertainties have been taken in mind from the beginning.

A random fatigue of mechanize titanium abutment studied with Markoff chain and stochastic finite element formulation.

To measure fatigue in dental implants and in its components, it is necessary to use a probabilistic analysis since the randomness in the output depends on a number of parameters (such as fatigue properties of titanium and applied loads, unknown beforehand as they depend on mastication habits). The purpose is to apply a probabilistic approximation in order to predict fatigue life, taking into account the randomness of variables. More accuracy on the results has been obtained by taking into account different load blocks with different amplitudes, as happens with bite forces during the day and allowing us to know how effects have different type of bruxism on the piece analysed.

Dental Implants Fatigue as a Possible Failure of Implantologic Treatment: The Importance of Randomness in Fatigue Behaviour.

OBJECTIVE: To show how random variables concern fatigue behaviour by a probabilistic finite element method. METHODS: Uncertainties on material properties due to the existence of defects that cause material elastic constant are not the same in the whole dental implant the dimensions of the structural element and load history have a decisive influence on the fatigue process and therefore on the life of a dental implant. In order to measure these uncertainties, we used a method based on Markoff chains, Bogdanoff and Kozin cumulative damage model, and probabilistic finite elements method. RESULTS: The results have been obtained by conventional and probabilistic methods. Mathematical models obtained the same result regarding fatigue life; however, the probabilistic model obtained a greater mean life but with more information because of the cumulative probability function. CONCLUSIONS: The present paper introduces an improved procedure to study fatigue behaviour in order to know statistics of the fatigue life (mean and variance) and its probability of failure (fatigue life versus probability of failure).