Single-click automated fractal analysis for dental radiographs: a comparative evaluation with classic ImageJ method

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to develop a single-click automated fractal analysis module for dental radiographs and compare its efficiency and accuracy with the classic ImageJ method. The study hypothesized that the new module would reduce analysis time and minimize errors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted using 10 orthopantomographic images from an open-access dataset on Kaggle. Fractal analysis was performed on 100 regions using both the classic ImageJ method and the newly developed automated module. The results were analyzed for accuracy, time efficiency, and error rate. RESULTS: The average difference in fractal dimension values between the two methods was minimal (0.057106 ± 0.0764495; p < 0.001). However, the new method significantly reduced the time required for analysis, averaging 31.3 s per radiograph compared to 717.6 s with the classic method. The automated method also minimized errors, with only one error recorded compared to 29 errors with the classic method. CONCLUSIONS: The single-click automated fractal analysis module significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of fractal analysis in dental radiographs, reducing both time and error rates. This new module has the potential to become a standard tool in dental research, facilitating large-scale studies and enhancing the reliability of fractal analysis in dentistry. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.