Decoding dental images: a comprehensive review of fractal analysis

Abstract

Abstract Objectives New tools aid in the diagnosis of diseases and thus help in advancing patient care. “Fractal Analysis” is a versatile method of applying nontraditional mathematics to patterns that are beyond understanding with traditional Euclidean concepts. This analysis can be used on radiographic and non-radiographic images in dentistry. In this review we aim to identify the usefulness of fractal analysis in dentistry in radiographic images, its applications and future scope. Materials and Methods Articles published between 1992 and 2024 were retrieved through an electronic search of Medline via PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. The search, which was limited to articles published in English, aimed to identify relevant studies by employing the following keywords: “fractal analysis,” “dental radiographs,” “mandibular,” “panoramic radiographs,” and “radiography.” Ultimately, 76 articles that addressed the application of fractal analysis in dental radiographs were selected. Results Fractal analysis can reveal alterations in bone and in images of morphologically altered tissue, however no set values exist which could be used as a standard for diagnosing various conditions. Conclusion Fractal Analysis can potentially be used as an adjunct to diagnostic tests as it is shown to identify alterations in bony and trabeculae patterns.