Using AI to find early signs of bone loss in dental X-rays for better diagnosis of gum disease
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-10912052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $160,879 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DE033114-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912052 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals over 21 years old who are at risk for periodontal disease or have early signs of gum issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no signs of periodontal disease or those who are not at risk for gum disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an artificial intelligence (AI) model that can identify early patterns of bone loss in dental radiographs that are not visible to the human eye. By analyzing over 150 different variables, including social and health data, the AI aims to improve the accuracy of diagnosing periodontal disease, which affects millions of Americans. The goal is to create a clinical decision support tool that alerts dentists to potential issues before significant damage occurs, allowing for timely preventive care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and prevention of periodontal disease, ultimately reducing tooth loss and improving patients' quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using AI for medical diagnostics, indicating that this approach could be effective in identifying early signs of periodontal disease.
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.
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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.