On October 1, 2025, a project titled “Multispectral Volumetric Studies of Tooth Microcracks” was launched at the Faculty of Medicine of Vilnius University. The project is funded by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL) under contract No. S-ITP-25-6. The project leader is Senior Researcher Dr. Irma Dumbrytė.
The project aims to develop a non-destructive multi-spectral method based on machine learning for comprehensive assessment of the structural integrity and chemical composition of teeth, focusing on the clinical significance of microcracks. The research will be conducted using an advanced set of methods: X-ray micro-computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy. The collected data will be analyzed, integrated, and interpreted by developing and applying artificial intelligence methods. This will allow the identification of the properties of microcracks, the recognition of patterns, and the enhancement of diagnostic precision regarding the impact of microcracks on dental health. To achieve this, deep learning models, data synthesis, and ensemble learning methods will be used for data integration, with diagnostic performance validation based on clinical practice.
The goal is to create a high-resolution 3D multi-spectral database to differentiate healthy tooth enamel areas, harmless (aesthetic), and potentially dangerous (structurally or functionally damaging) microcracks. The primary aim is to assess the structural, elemental, optical, and chemical properties of teeth microcracks, as they present significant but still insufficiently studied aspects of dental health. Acomprehensive analysis of cracked enamel areas would help evaluate the impact of cracks on the structural integrity and longevity of teethand form the basis for developing new digital algorithms for monitoring and treating teeth with microcracks in daily clinical practice. Thiswill enhance understanding of the nature of cracks in natural hard materials and promote the development of advanced, bio-inspired structures. This methodology could also be applied to the studies of other biological or synthetic materials, including the analysis ofbiomechanical implant properties and the development of novel meta-materials.
Project number: S-ITP-25-6.
Project start date: October 1, 2025.
Project end date: September 30, 2027.
Project funding: 299999 Eur
The project received funding under the Research Council of Lithuania call “Information Technologies for the Development of Science and the Knowledge Society” (liet. „Informacinės technologijos mokslo ir žinių visuomenės plėtrai“ 2nd call for proposals. Read more about the call.
