Aoikai develops AI diagnostics system

Japan: Aoikai Medical Corporation announced it has developed a diagnostics system that analyses dental X-ray images using artificial intelligence.

The AI diagnostics system is based on visual inspection and can be used for routine dental examinations. Using machine learning, the system processes learning data about affected areas to improve its accuracy.

By analyzing panoramic dental radiographic images, the system is able to pinpoint the location afflicted with dental ailments – including tooth decay, periapical pathosis, dental calculus, cysts or furcation involvement. Early tests show that early detection of unidentified jawbone lesions and dental diseases will be possible.

According to the company’s press release, AI-driven diagnostics offer an objective comparison between X-ray images that is not possible to achieve with traditional visual examinations conducted by dentists.

Panoramic dental radiographic images are usually taken during the initial dental examination. However, different dentists with different skills levels and experience cannot be expected to interpret the images with the same amount of accuracy.

For objective diagnosis to occur, the examination should be formulated based on a “standardization of healthcare and double-checked by AI”, says the company.

At the research level, the company uses training data to interpret and verify panoramic dental radiographic images mainly from oral surgeons of the AOI International Hospital. The training data utlised for R&D is based on approximately 12,000 panoramic dental radiographic images showing about 25,000 affected areas.

The system is expected to be used on hospital patients from the age of 20 in five-year intervals.

According to Aoikai, the data accumulation of patient X-ray images will be invaluable to the study of dental diseases, and foundational for the future of oral hygiene and dental care development.

The company aims to introduce it as an auxiliary system in the public healthcare system. The AI system project is led by inventor and patent applicant, Seiji Tajima.

Headquartered in Kashiwa City, Chiba Prefecture, Aoikai Medical Corporation cooperates with hospitals, elderly care facilities and educational institutions to undertake care plans for medical care, rehabilitation, institutional care, day care and home care.