Artificial Intelligence has been a hot topic in recent times and its influence is rapidly spreading across industries. With its widespread use, AI is poised to play a significant role in our daily lives. The marketing industry has already adopted AI to personalize campaigns based on our online activity and physical locations. This is just the beginning of what AI has in store for us.
In the near future, your trips to the dental office will utilize AI without you even realizing it. Dentists who adopt AI have reaped the benefits of time savings, from diagnosing x-rays to digitally planning crowns and other restorations. Here are three ways AI is currently being utilized in dental practices to create better treatment outcomes and more efficient processes.
The first widespread application of AI in dental practices is the reading and interpretation of dental x-rays. Companies like Pearl and Overjet have received FDA approval for their AI software to be used for diagnostic purposes in US dental practices. This AI software has made the process of reading and analyzing x-rays faster, more accurate, and more efficient. AI algorithms are designed to identify patterns and anomalies in radiographs that may suggest specific dental problems. For example, AI can detect cavities, gum disease, and even early signs of oral cancer. It can also analyze x-rays at a pixel level, resulting in a much greater level of accuracy in gray scale variations than the human eye.
One of the key benefits of using AI for radiograph analysis is the reduction of human error and subjectivity. AI algorithms provide consistent and reliable results, unaffected by the operator's experience, skill level, or fatigue. This leads to more accurate diagnoses and treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The use of AI in analyzing x-rays can be especially helpful for new dentists who lack the years of experience in reading and verifying the accuracy of x-rays with surgical procedures. DSOs especially appreciate the consistency that AI can bring to diagnosis from x-rays when monitoring and managing many different providers in one facility.
An image annotated with Overjet's AI for dental x-ray analysis
As illustrated above, AI also automatically notates calculus, caries, bone levels and other issues that could indicate dental conditions that require treatment. A thorough x-ray analysis
leads to more accurate diagnoses and treatments, which can ultimately improve patient outcomes. Dental practices see improved speed and efficiency through AI's ability to identify issues and support the dentist's diagnoses
Another way that AI is currently being used in Dental Practices is to facilitate efficient voice charting for different charting software. The AI interfaces with different charting programs and it does not rely on that charting software having a voice component. The AI works with the practice management's charting system to allow the user to enter pocket depths, bleeding, and suppuration with simple voice commands. The charting software then annotates pocket depths and other clinically relevant information in the GUI of the charting software.
A third application of AI that is currently being implemented is the creation of AI CAD designed crown creation. Currently the process requires a dentist or skilled dental technician to create the crown with dozens or hundreds of mouse clicks which can easily take 10 -15 minutes. Imagoworks has released "3Dme Crown" AI software to allow for AI to examine the patient's 3D scan data and automatically identify the margin line between the tooth and the gum of the crown to be manufactured and create an optimized margin line. The software can then go through the process of creating an optimal crown design in seconds by considering the surrounding and antagonistic teeth . Once the design is complete, the crown can be downloaded in the desired file format (STL, OBJ, PLY, etc.) and sent to a 3D printer or milling machine for immediate prothesis production. This process not only saves time but it should result in greater accuracy as the software is driven by consistent and accurate calculations. The dentist or technician can always override the design software if needed. Check it out at www.dentbird.com.
These are just three ways that AI is currently changing dentistry to make procedures more efficient and more accurate. Look for AI to continue to address every aspect of Dentistry from Diagnosis to treatment. AI's ability to learn and improve, coupled with tasks that require data entry or software manipulation makes AI the perfect partner for 21st century dentists who are looking to stay on the cutting edge of dentistry.
If you are looking to integrate technology into your practice speak to an expert first at Dental TI. We can help you prepare for the unexpected during your technology journey and guide you to easy to use solutions with great ROI.
email info@dentalti.com or call 800-672-5733