AI
Author: Kimberly N. Powell, DDS, MS, FAGD
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a division of computer science that allows machines to emulate human cognitive processes (1). In dentistry, AI is applied in clinical decision-making and can aid in detecting disease and predicting patterns based on existing data sets (1). We use AI everyday in the form of digital voice assistants like Siri and Alexa, Google Maps, Apple Face ID, etc. The application of AI has potential in all specialties of dentistry. There are already platforms available to help in diagnosis that are able to very quickly through a panoramic radiograph or CBCT scan segment all the teeth and identify problems such as caries, endodontics and missing teeth (2). The application of AI in dentistry has the potential to predict longevity of restorations and outcome of tooth-whitening procedures (3). By scanning radiographs, these programs can identify existing fillings, prosthetic crowns, root length, as well as abnormal/pathologic findings such as periodontal disease as indicated by increased distance from a defined point on the tooth to the crest of bone and the presence of root fractures (3). This identification can serve as an internal check on the clinician’s assessment of the radiographs, and it is claimed, free up time to allow the dentist to spend more time with patients (3). What our eyes may miss, AI has the potential to catch. Although more data is needed for machine learning, these systems can aid as an adjunct to improve the quality of care provided by your providers.
Sources for this article are below.
(1) What every dentist needs to know about the use of artificial intelligence in dentistry,
General Dentistry, May/June 2023, vol. 71, no. 3
(2) Dental Tribune, dental-tribune.com
(3) Artificial Intelligence Applied to Dental Medicine, Ira Lamster, DDS, MMSc,
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