At PYCAD, we specialize in building the powerful medical imaging infrastructure that drives healthcare AI products, ranging from DICOM viewers and 3D visualization to advanced segmentation tools and custom clinical workflows. Recently, our co-founder Nour Islam demonstrated a specialized workflow built entirely for the dentistry domain, focusing specifically on dental implant planning.
Here is a step-by-step look at how our custom, fully web-based DICOM viewer can streamline the implant planning process for specialists.
1. Seamlessly Integrating CBCT Scans and AI Segmentations
The entire workflow runs seamlessly in your web browser. The process begins by opening a patient’s CBCT scan within the viewer. Next, we upload a set of STL files—these are 3D meshes generated by applying an AI segmentation algorithm to the CBCT scan. This allows the viewer to isolate and clearly visualize critical anatomical structures, including the mandible, maxilla, individual teeth, and the often-hidden mandibular canal.
2. Dynamic Panoramic and Cross-Sectional Views
Once the anatomical structures are defined, the specialist can transition to the panoramic and CBCT workspace. Here, the clinician draws an arc (or spline) along the upper or lower jaw. While this step can be entirely automated, our viewer gives users full manual control over the spline and the spacing between the inner and outer curves.
Based on this curve, the viewer instantly generates a highly detailed panoramic image. The customized interface simultaneously displays the axial view, the generated panoramic view, and the cross-sectional views. Using a convenient slider, specialists can hone in on specific areas of the panoramic image to perform a detailed analysis in 3D.
3. Interactive 3D Implant Placement
With the views established, placing an implant is incredibly intuitive. The specialist simply clicks on the panoramic view to position the implant. Because the viewer supports custom STL files, we can load virtual implants from any specific manufacturer the clinician prefers to work with.
Once placed, the implant is visible in 3D and can be freely moved and adjusted. As you manipulate the implant or move the view slider, the cross-sectional views update dynamically, showing exactly where the implant is positioned at every angle.
4. Built for Cloud Collaboration and Safety
A complete implant planning procedure involves careful measurements and verifying that the implant maintains a safe distance from structures like the mandibular canal. Because our viewer is entirely web-based, it unlocks powerful collaborative capabilities.
If a dental specialist wants a second opinion, they can easily share the session with another implant specialist. That second specialist can access the case directly from their own browser to validate the plan, add notes, and ensure the highest standard of patient care.
Customized for Your Clinical Needs
This dental implant workflow is just one example of the deep customizations we can apply to DICOM viewers. Whether you need specialized measurement tools, custom AI module integrations, or workflows tailored to entirely different medical imaging domains, we can build it.
If you have suggestions for features to add to this module, or if you are looking for custom viewers in other medical modalities, please reach out and let us know!
