Dentist Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Stealing Fentanyl from Patients

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A former Rochester, Illinois, dentist, Phillip M. Jensen, 64, was sentenced to 15 years in prison on December 18, 2024, for a series of crimes against his patients. Jensen was found guilty of stealing fentanyl, injecting patients with diluted drugs, and performing surgeries without proper pain management. He also faces a $200,000 fine. A Pattern of Abuse: Jensen, who specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery before his medical license was suspended in 2022, began stealing fentanyl from his patients as early as December 2019. His staff first raised concerns when they noticed patients exhibiting signs of severe pain and distress during surgeries. A Betrayal of Trust: Jensen admitted to stealing at least half of the fentanyl from every vial in his practice. He would remove the safety caps, withdraw the drug, refill the vials with saline, and then reseal them. … Read more

Automated Classification of Third Molar Development Stages Using Deep Learning

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Accurate assessment of tooth development is crucial in various fields, including dentistry, orthodontics, and forensic science. Traditional methods, such as the Demirjian system, rely on visual inspection by dental professionals, which can be subjective and prone to inter-observer variability. This study aimed to develop a fully automated system for classifying third molar (wisdom teeth) development stages using deep learning, offering a more objective and efficient approach. The research utilized a large dataset of orthopantomograms (OPGs), which were meticulously labeled by dental experts according to the Demirjian system. The dataset comprised images of both left and right lower jaws, resulting in a substantial collection for model training and evaluation. To enhance the accuracy and robustness of the system, several key techniques were employed: The results demonstrated the superior performance of the EfficientNet model, achieving a classification accuracy of 83.7%. This significant … Read more

AI’s Sharp Eye: Deep Learning Detects Three-Rooted Molars on Panoramic X-rays

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Mandibular first molars, the teeth towards the back of the lower jaw, usually have two roots. However, in a significant number of cases, they can develop an extra root, complicating dental procedures like root canals. Recognizing these “three-rooted” molars is crucial for dentists to plan effective treatment and prevent potential complications.   Traditionally, identifying these extra roots relied heavily on the dentist’s experience and careful examination of panoramic radiographs. However, a recent breakthrough in dental technology leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the accuracy and efficiency of this process.   A new deep learning system, detailed in a recent study, demonstrates impressive accuracy in detecting three-rooted mandibular first molars directly from panoramic radiographs. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize dental diagnostics and enhance patient care.   How Does the AI System Work? The deep learning … Read more

Wisdom Teeth Extraction: Can AI Outsmart X-rays? – A blog post based on a new study

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Traditionally, dentists rely on panoramic X-rays to assess wisdom teeth before extraction. But these 2D images can be misleading, sometimes leading to unexpected surgical challenges. A recent study explores the potential of using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the accuracy of predicting wisdom tooth extraction difficulty. The Study’s Findings The study showed that X-ray limitations are confirmed. Relying solely on X-rays for predicting surgical complexity can be inaccurate, even for experienced dentists. The study showed that AI shows promise. Deep learning models, a type of AI, analyzed panoramic X-rays and showed promise in identifying features that might be missed by the human eye. These models could predict the need for additional procedures like tooth separation or bone removal with high accuracy. The study also compared the accuracy of AI models with dentists in predicting the need for crown or root … Read more

Is Wisdom Teeth Extraction Putting Patients at Risk of Temporomandibular Disorders

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An interesting article titled “The relationship between third molar extractions and TMD: Or is there one?” written by Dennis Marangos appears in Cranio: the Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice (Volume 41, Issue 4, 2023). The author was prompted to write the article based on patients coming in saying they did not have jaw pain before my wisdom teeth were extracted but, now have jaw pain and clicking. As a result the author did a literature review to examine the possible relationship. One of the most common surgeries in the 20th century is wisdom teeth surgery. Experts have suggested that our face and jaw structure has become smaller due to the introduction of processed foods over generations. This smaller jaw size means underdeveloped cranial structures and that wisdom teeth just do not fit. Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a term used … Read more