Automated early bone-loss detection in dental X-rays for timely periodontal care
Official title: Automatic identification of early bone loss patterns from radiographs invisible to human eyes for early periodontal disease diagnosis and prevention
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11391295 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinician-facing AI tool helps identify subtle bone loss patterns in dental X-rays that are invisible to the naked eye, aiming to enable earlier diagnosis and prevention of periodontitis in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $160,879 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DE033114-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391295 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older who are at risk for periodontitis and would benefit from early detection using AI-assisted imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to dental imaging or those not at risk may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops an AI-enabled prediction model using dental imaging data along with more than 150 other variables to flag patients at risk for periodontitis before obvious bone damage appears on X-rays. The approach integrates imaging features like bone density and pixel intensity with clinical and demographic information to improve early warning signs. If successful, dentists could use the tool to trigger preventive interventions sooner, potentially reducing tooth loss and pain for patients. The grant supports training and mentorship for the investigator to advance this translational work from model development toward real-world clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the model proves accurate, patients may receive earlier preventive care and avoid advanced periodontal damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for AI in periodontitis risk prediction, but early bone-loss patterns on imaging remain challenging and underexplored.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Patel, Jay — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Patel, Jay
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how aging affects bone loss in gum disease
This study is looking at how aging cells affect bone loss in people with gum disease, and it aims to find out if a special treatment can help improve bone health for those who haven't had success with other options.
-
Using AI to find early signs of bone loss in dental X-rays for better diagnosis of gum disease
This study is working on a smart computer program that helps dentists spot early signs of bone loss in dental X-rays that we can't see ourselves, so they can catch gum disease early and provide better care for patients like you.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Biofilm structure and its role in the start of gum disease
A researchers team will study how tiny communities of bacteria at the gumline interact with the mouth’s tissues to spark inflammation that leads from healthy gums to periodontal disease.
-
How HIV and HIV meds affect jaw bone and teeth
This project looks at how HIV, its treatment, and immune changes may cause jawbone and tooth loss in people living with HIV.
-
Periodontitis and HIV treatment–related bone loss in the jaw and teeth
This project studies how HIV and its treatment affect jawbone and tooth loss in people living with HIV, aiming to understand and reduce bone damage around teeth.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.