A new tool created by York University researchers could change how dentists diagnose gum disease.
Using an AI-powered system called DePerio, the technology promises faster, more reliable diagnosis and improved periodontal care.
Patented through Innovation York, the breakthrough development in oral health care is advancing toward commercialization. Innovation York supports researchers in translating discoveries into real-world solutions.
Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss and a risk factor for systemic health conditions. Early detection is important, but current diagnostic methods produce inconsistent results due to a lack of sensitivity.
“DePerio uses advanced artificial intelligence to provide precise, data-driven assessments, offering clinicians a powerful tool to improve outcomes and reduce health care costs,” says Ebrahim Ghafar-Zadeh, who is the principal investigator and co-inventor of DePerio, as well as an associate professor in York's Lassonde School of Engineering.
Through deep learning – a type of AI – DePerio works to analyze dental images and give exact measurements to help dentists make more informed treatment decisions through a user-friendly interface.
“By integrating deep learning into dental diagnostics, we can deliver faster, more accurate evaluations that benefit both patients and practitioners,” says Ghafar-Zadeh, noting York collaborated with researchers from University of Toronto for this project.
Findings from the research are published in the IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics and explain how AI is used in DePerio to assess dental images and reduce errors in detecting disease.
An earlier study in Advanced Intelligent Systems focuses on the advanced algorithms behind the novel technology and how they integrate with intelligent systems for advanced health care. It also explores future applications of AI in oral health and suggests DePerio could be scaled for broader clinical use.
Building on this success, the team has secured an Idea to Innovation grant from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to advance the platform toward market readiness. This follows last year’s Connected Minds Prototyping Award, which supported early-stage development.
Several additional manuscripts and grant applications related to DePerio are currently under review, signaling strong momentum for the project.
“This recognition from NSERC and Connected Minds validates the potential impact of DePerio,” says Ghafar-Zadeh. “We are excited to continue refining the technology and exploring partnerships that will bring it into clinical practice.”