ProScan and Cegeka: Revolutionizing Dental Implant Identification with AI

ProScan, a Belgian dental technology distributor, faces the complex task of accurately identifying implant systems and prosthetic solutions from various brands. Manual identification leads to inefficiencies and errors. Partnering with IT expert Cegeka, ProScan developed an AI-driven application that significantly improves accuracy and efficiency in identifying dental implants using images submitted by dentists, resulting in better outcomes for dentists and patients. 

The challenge  

ProScan's journey began with the need to streamline the identification process for dental implants. With new implants emerging onto the global market regularly, dental professionals were struggling to quickly and accurately identify implants. As Gert Mullens, CADCAM manager at ProScan, explains: “Currently dentists just take pictures, share them with colleagues and hope that someone will know what’s in the patient’s mouth. So we wanted to find a solution to fix that.”

One particular challenge was finding strategies to identify the implants. “The problem is that once the implant is placed, you don’t see it – most of it is hidden in the bone,” Gert Mullens explains. “Pictures are often blurred and unclear. This was one of our main problems – the database wasn’t good enough to start with.”

The Solution 

ProScan needed an expert in AI systems who could help develop a growing and increasingly accurate database of implants over time. The company had no doubts about choosing Cegeka for this task, as Gert Mullens explains. “In our region, I think everybody knows somebody who works there. And we have a friendly connection with the company itself. So the choice was obvious.”

Cegeka collaborated closely with ProScan to develop a cutting-edge AI-driven application that automates the identification of dental implant locators from images, focusing on unique prosthetic components. Cegeka started with an in-depth analysis of the kind of data ProScan was obtaining from dentists. As Koen Neven, Product Manager at ProScan explains, Cegeka ran many trials to ensure their AI solution was accurate. “We also needed to be sure that the data that we provided to them was good enough. You can't put anything in the database if you're not 100% sure its correct.” Gert Mullens continues: “Luckily Cegeka came up with ways of manipulating images to improve AI recognition: repositioning the parts, changing the colours, even changing the angle. Now the system does it automatically.”

Cegeka’s phased approach allowed ProScan to ensure that the system worked on a small scale before proceeding. Gert Mullens says: “We were very pleased to see our trial worked well. So now we're working on increasing the input. The more data we put in, the more reliable it will be.” 

“Data is everything. The more data we put in, the more reliable it will be.”

Gert Mullens, CADCAM manager, ProScan 

The development process was highly collaborative, involving detailed analysis and phased testing. By working in close cooperation with ProScan, Cegeka ensured that the application met the specific needs of dental professionals. Gert Mullens is enthusiastic about the partnership. “It was a very simple process with Cegeka and then the app was up and running.” 

Impact on ProScan  

The system Cegeka developed has not only transformed ProScan’s operations but is well on its way to transforming the market globally. Gert Mullens enthuses: “The big advantage is that the new system is a self-learning app, it’s more reliable, and it saves time.” 

These time savings translate into better patient care, with fewer appointments and less trial and error needed to identify and order new implant parts. As the new system grows, patients will be able to access better dental care anywhere in the world. Koen Neven explains. “The goal right now is to gather as much data as we can. As we build a reliable system, that will give us an opportunity to sell the components needed.” 

The feedback from ProScan's team has been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate the reliable, user-friendly nature of the application and its ability to learn and improve over time, and the open, collaborative approach fostered by Cegeka. “They were really open-minded, sharing their knowledge with us with clear communication,” Koen Neven explains, and Gert agrees. “Right now, ProScan is a small family company, but for Cegeka that wasn’t an issue. They took the project seriously and made us feel like a real partner.” 

“ProScan is a small family company, but for Cegeka that wasn’t an issue. They took the project seriously and looked for the best solution.”

Gert Mullens, CADCAM manager, ProScan 

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, ProScan plans to explore further integration of AI with Cegeka. The commercialization of the identification tool is on the horizon. As Gert Mullens explains, this is an exciting next step for a company that has always focused on patient care. “Right from day one, ProScan's strategy was always to have an open-source database. We work on every implant and help every patient. The app will give us a competitive advantage and will demonstrate that anyone who has a problem with an unknown implant can come to us and we'll help.” 

ProScan’s forward-thinking attitude to machine learning puts the company in an excellent position for the future. “We are looking forward to implementing more AI: checking products, analysing stock, supporting our customers.”  Gert Mullens continues, “We are a small company, but we will get there!” 

An ongoing partnership with Cegeka is part of this journey. As Gert Mullens explains, “You always have to keep the patients in mind. They are the most important people. I think that Cegeka is the way to go in that regard. They’re part of us.” 

“You always have to keep the patients in mind. They are the most important people. I think that Cegeka is the way to go in that regard. They’re part of us.”

Gert Mullens, CADCAM manager, ProScan 

Conclusion

The successful partnership between ProScan and Cegeka highlights the power of technology in overcoming industry challenges. The new system not only promises improves patient care across the industry but also positions ProScan for future growth. Cegeka's expertise and innovative approach have been crucial in facilitating this transformation and driving ProScan's evolution.