Numbering and Classification of Panoramic Dental Images Using 6-Layer Convolutional Neural Network

Deep Convolution Neural Network is one of the most powerful tools to solve complex problems of image classification, image recognition, financial analysis, medical diagnosis and many similar problems. A dental panoramic image consists of collection of teeth of both upper jaw and lower jaw. Automatic classification of dental panoramic images into various tooth types such as canines, incisors, premolars and molars has been a challenging task and involves crucial role of an experienced dentist. In this paper, we propose a technique for numbering and classification of the panoramic dental images. The proposed algorithm consists of four stages namely pre-processing, segmentation, numbering and classification. The pre-processed panoramic dental images are segmented using fuzzy c-mean clustering and subjected to vertical integral projection to extract a single tooth. The image dataset consists of 400 dental panoramic images collected from various dental clinics. The 400 dental images are divided into 240 training samples and 160 testing samples. The image data set is augmented by applying various transformations. Panoramic dental images are further numbered using a universal dental numbering system. Finally, the classification is done with the help of 6-layer deep convolution neural network (DCNN) consisting of 3 convolutional neural network and 3 fully connected network. The tooth is classified as canine, incisor, molar and premolar. An accuracy of 95% has been achieved for augmented database and 92% for original dataset with the proposed algorithm. The proposed numbering and classification of dental panoramic images is useful in biomedical application and postmortem recording of dental records. In case of big calamity, the system can also assist the dentist in recording post mortem dental record that is a very lengthy and arduous task.