Benedikt Sagl receives funding from the FFG

Bild: Universitätszahnklinik Wien/Mariano Ngyuen
Bild: Universitätszahnklinik Wien/Mariano Ngyuen

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) constitute a complex set of conditions characterized by pain in the temporomandibular joints and/or the masticatory muscles, often accompanied by limitations in mandibular function. To date, diagnosis and treatment decisions have often relied heavily on clinical experience and subjective criteria, leading to heterogeneous treatment outcomes. A quantitative method currently available is condylography, an established yet complex procedure that records three-dimensional jaw movements. Clinically valuable information, such as condylar paths or the coordination of both temporomandibular joints, is presently assessed manually, requiring high expertise.

The TMD TRACE project aims to develop an innovative AI-based software solution enabling objective and automated analyses of mandibular movement data. The project’s goal is not only to accurately evaluate mandibular movement patterns but also to utilize the developed AI methods to optimize diagnosis and individual treatment decisions. This will potentially enable early and targeted treatment, significantly improving patients’ quality of life.

The project is being conducted in close collaboration with the industrial partner Gamma Medizinisch-wissenschaftliche Fortbildungs-GmbH ("Gamma Dental") from Klosterneuburg, who contributes its expertise in digital mandibular motion analysis. Additionally, the Vienna School of Interdisciplinary Dentistry (VieSID) participates by providing extensive experience in clinical diagnostics and education in condylography and functional dentistry. The total funding awarded for 00.

This interdisciplinary consortium highlights the strengths of the University Clinic of Dentistry in translational research and the development of digital technologies in dentistry.