A Two-Stage Deep Learning Architecture for Radiographic Assessment of Periodontal Bone Loss

Objective: To establish a comprehensive and accurate assessment model of periodontal alveolar bone loss based on panoramic images. Methods: : A total of 640 panoramic images were included, and 3 experienced periodontal physicians marked the key points needed to calculate the degree of periodontal alveolar bone loss and the specific location and shape of the alveolar bone loss. A deep learning architecture based on UNet and YOLO-v4 was proposed to localize the tooth and key points, and the percentage and stageof periodontal alveolar bone loss were accurately calculated. The ability of the model to recognize these features was evaluated and compared with that of general dental practitioners. Results: The overall classification accuracy of the model was 0.77, and the performance of the model varied for different tooth positions and categories;model classification was generally more accurate than that of general practitioners. Conclusion: It is feasible to establish deep learning model forassessmentand staging radiographicperiodontal alveolar bone loss using two-stage architecture based on UNet and YOLO-v4.