Deep learning-based segmentation of the mandibular canals in cone beam computed tomography reaches human level performance.

Abstract

Objectives: This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of deep learning-based segmentation techniques for mandibular canal identification in CBCT data to provide a reliable and efficient support-tool for dental implant treatment planning.

Methods: A dataset of 90 cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans was annotated as ground truth for mandibular canal segmentation. The dataset was split into training (n = 69), validation (n = 1), and testing (n = 20) subsets. A deep learning model based on a hierarchical convolutional neural network architecture was developed and trained. The model's performance was evaluated using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95% Hausdorff distance (HD), and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD). Qualitative assessment was performed by two experienced dental imaging practitioners who evaluated the segmentation quality in terms of trust and safety on a 5-point Likert scale at three mandibular locations per side.

Results: The trained model achieved a mean DSC of 0.77 ± 0.09, HD of 1.66 ± 0.86 mm, and ASSD of 0.31 ± 0.15 mm on the testing subset. Qualitative assessment showed no significant difference between the deep learning-based segmentations and ground truth in terms of trust and safety across all investigated locations (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: The proposed deep learning-based segmentation technique exhibits sufficient accuracy for the reliable identification of mandibular canals in CBCT scans. This automated approach could streamline the pre-operative planning process for dental implant placement, reducing the risk of neurovascular complications and enhancing patient safety.