Ultrasonography in Periodontology

Technology Roadmap Sections and Deliverables

Roadmap Overview

Ultrasonography in dentistry is a novel approach to diagnosing inflammation, specifically periodontal tissues (hard and soft tissue) and disease. An accurate dental diagnosis requires imaging and clinical evaluation. This technology is a level 3 technology with the unique identifier “3US - Ultrasound”. While this may not replace other types of medical imaging needed for an accurate dental diagnosis, it is a non-invasive technology that can be used for patient monitoring as well and enhances diagnostic capabilities. Early studies demonstrate uses in wound healing and tissue maturation. Other technologies that would be at level 3 are radiographs, intraoral scanners, and cone beam computed tomography.
This technology can be further broken down into six level 4 identifiers: 4TD, 4CPU, 4PW, 4SC, 4CT, and 4EN (see DSM Allocation for descriptions of identifiers).

Indication: Dental disease is typically diagnosed through clinical and radiographic evaluation. Not only does this leave a patient exposed to radiation, but this model is reactive rather than preventive. The use of ultrasound in dentistry as an imaging modality is novel. Currently, it is used for wound healing research but we propose developing a POC model with appropriate resolution that could be used at several check ups throughout the year to track inflammatory biomarkers. This noninvasive technology could be beneficial in preventing disease.

Technology: Electricity is sent to the transducer which has piezoelectric crystals. Piezoelectric crystals convert the electrical signal into a sound wave. The soundwave then travels through a gel medium into a patient’s tissue. The sound waves then bounce back into the transducer and the signal is then generated and processed by the computer processing unit (CPU). Once it has been processed, it is sent to the graphic processing unit and displayed on a screen for the user to interpret.

Object Process Model (OPM)

The technology we have chosen to focus on fits best into the category of “Transforming Information” because its main function is to convert acoustic data into real-time, high-resolution images that enhance diagnostic capabilities. Without going into too much technical detail, ultrasound emits high-frequency (MHz) sound waves that penetrate tissues and reflect back, capturing data about the structure of the observed tissues.The reflected sound waves are processed to create visual images, representing internal anatomy. We could also consider transforming energy as the transducer generates sound waves but the relevant purpose of the US is to transform information.

Figures of Merit (FOMs)

Figure of Merit (FOM)	Unit	Description	Changing Trends
Spatial resolution	µm	Smallest feature that can be distinguished in the ultrasound image.	Improvements in spatial resolution have been achieved by advancements in transducer technology, image processing, and signal modulation.
Focal depth	mm	Distance from the transducer where the ultrasound beam is focused and produces the clearest image/highest resolution.	Application-dependent*
Volume/Dimensions of Ultrasound	m³	Physical size of the ultrasound device, including its transducer and accompanying hardware, or the volume it occupies.	Reducing the device's size is important for maneuverability and patient comfort during dental procedures. Reduction in size is driven by miniaturization of electronics and transducers. ~9.8% yearly decrease since 1st ultrasound technology in 1940s (see Pset question 4)
Seconds/scan	s/scan	Time needed to perform one scan or acquire a complete image.	Decreases in scan time are largely due to faster processors, better algorithms, and improved transducer sensitivity.
Cost/scan	$	Cost associated with performing a single ultrasound scan.	Tends to decrease with technological advancements, though pricing can be affected by external factors such as healthcare policies.
Center frequency	MHz	Central frequency at which the ultrasound transducer operates, which affects penetration depth and resolution.	Application-dependent*
Frame rate	fps	The number of images the system can capture per second, affecting the smoothness and real-time accuracy of imaging.	Frame rate improvements have followed advancements in electronics, particularly with faster signal processing.
Aspect ratio	ratio	The ratio of width to height of the ultrasound image.	Constant
Signal to noise ratio (SNR)	ratio	A measure of the quality of the ultrasound image by comparing signal strength to background noise.	SNR has improved steadily with advancements in signal processing and transducer sensitivity.

• By application-dependent, we mean that the trends tend to be converging toward desired values depending on the desired application. For instance, one may be interested in a longer or shorter focal depth depending on how far from the surface the tissue they are looking to image is.

Alignment with Company Strategic Drivers

ID	Strategic Driver	Alignments and Targets
1	Improve diagnostic capabilities in dentistry	Target spatial resolution < 20 micrometers
2	Enhance imaging efficiency and workflow	Achieve increased frame rate (300 Hz?)
3	Align with industry standards for dental imaging	Develop devices that meet or exceed current industry metrics
4	Increase accessibility of dental imaging technologies	Ensure cost-effectiveness and portability of new devices

Position of Company vs. Competition

The field of ultrasonic imagery in dentistry, particularly in periodontology, is an emerging market with no established players. This presents a unique opportunity for our company to pioneer and lead in this niche. However, to understand our competitive positioning more broadly, we may examine the current landscape of ultrasonic technology in general. The ultrasonic technology market is robust and diverse, with several key players dominating various segments. Major companies such as GE Healthcare, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, and Canon Medical are leading the charge in medical ultrasonography. These companies have developed advanced ultrasound devices used in multiple medical fields, including cardiology, radiology, and obstetrics.

Key competitors include:

- GE Healthcare - Philips - Siemens Healthinneers - Canon Medical - VEVO

Technical Model

Morphological Matrix

System	Device	Decision Variable	Vevo 3100 with MX250 Transducer	Vevo LAZR-X	Vevo 3100 with MX550D Transducer
Ultrasound Imaging	Transducer	Frequency Range [MHz]	15-30	70	25-55
		Aperture Area [cm^2]	0.7	NA	NA
		Transducer Depth [mm]	10	10	10
		Frame Rate [Hz]	200	20	50
		Spatial Resolution [micrometers]	75	30	55

Description of Tradespace

The tradespace for ultrasound imaging in dentistry centers around key decision variables that impact imaging performance in dental applications. Some of the selected devices to study include the Vevo 3100 with MX250 transducer, Vevo LAZR-X, and Vevo 3100 with MX550D transducer. Critical parameters include frequency range (ranging from 8 to 23 MHz), aperture area (0.7 cm²), and transducer depth (up to 10 mm), which directly affect spatial resolution (approximately 30 micrometers) and frame rates (up to 200 Hz). This array of options informs the optimal balance of imaging quality, device size, and operational cost for dental ultrasonography.

Key Publications and Patents

US12082971B2 - Method for scanning material using an ultrasonic imaging probe

Relevance from patent summary:

Particular challenges with intraoral ultrasound imaging relate to the design of a probe that can be used for imaging a full set of intraoral structures, i.e. during periodontal examination, for positioning an ultrasound fan beam along the vertical axis of each tooth of a mouth on both buccal and lingual faces, without the need for extensive modification, reconfiguration, or changing of probe tips or other components
CPC number: A61B 8/08 and others

US20240268937A1 - Ultrasonic probe for intraoral soft tissue imaging

Relevance from patent claims:

2D and/or 3D imaging of soft tissue in an intra oral cavity. The ultrasound transducer system operating at a center frequency in the range of [10 MHz; 100 Mhz] Intended to be used for dental imaging applications
CPC number: A61B 5/06 + others (see image below)