AI in Dentistry

Ricardo Barragan, Michael Valencia

DHYG 2301 1A1

Mrs. Rogers

April 25, 2023

 AI in Dentistry

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various fields, including dentistry. AI

technologies have been introduced to dental practices to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and

patient care. In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using AI in dentistry. This

essay will explore the developments, applications, and future perspectives of AI in dentistry.

Specifically, the essay will focus on the articles by Hassani et al. (2021), Khanagar et al. (2021),

Schwendicke et al. (2020), and Yo-Wei Chen et al. (2019).

Hassani et al. (2021) examine the role of Intelligence Augmentation (IA) in shaping the

future of smart dentistry. The authors assert that IA is the future of AI in dentistry, given its

potential to enhance dentists' abilities without replacing them. The authors suggest that IA can

support dentists in decision-making by presenting them with real-time information about a

patient's dental history and dental anatomy. Another promising application of AI in dentistry is

the development of intelligent dental instruments. The use of intelligent instruments, such as

smart dental mirrors, can assist dental professionals in detecting and diagnosing dental problems

more accurately and efficiently. According to Hassani et al. (2021), AI technologies have also

been integrated into dental implant systems, allowing for more precise placement and reducing

the risk of complications.

Khanagar et al. (2021) conduct a systematic review of AI in dentistry to evaluate its

developments, applications, and performance. The authors highlight that AI has been applied in

dentistry for various purposes, including diagnosis, treatment planning, and prediction of

treatment outcomes. The authors suggest that AI has shown high accuracy levels in diagnosing

dental caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancer. Moreover, AI has been effective in assisting

dentists in treatment planning by providing real-time information on the dental anatomy,

occlusion, and oral hygiene status. One significant development of AI in dentistry is the use of

machine learning algorithms to analyze dental images, such as X-rays and CBCT scans. In a

systematic review conducted by Khanagar et al. (2021), the authors found that AI algorithms

have shown promising results in identifying dental caries, periodontitis, and other dental

diseases. Additionally, AI has been applied in the detection and diagnosis of oral cancer,

allowing for earlier and more accurate detection.

Schwendicke et al. (2020) discuss the chances and challenges of AI in dentistry. The

authors argue that AI has the potential to improve diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient

care. The authors suggest that AI can aid in the early detection of oral diseases, leading to

prompt interventions and better patient outcomes. However, the authors acknowledge that AI has

some challenges, including data privacy concerns, ethical issues, and the need for continuous

updates and maintenance.

Yo-Wei Chen et al. (2019) provides an overview of current AI applications and future

perspectives in dentistry. The authors suggest that AI can aid in early detection of oral diseases,

improve treatment planning, and enhance patient care. The authors highlight that AI can analyze

radiographic images to detect dental caries and bone loss accurately. Moreover, AI can assist in

prosthetic dentistry by fabricating accurate restorations and prostheses.

In conclusion, the amalgamation of artificial intelligence in dentistry has depicted

immense promise to elevate dental practice through amplifying diagnoses' preciseness, treatment

planning and patient care. The essay's scrutinized articles emphasize different uses of AI, such as

scrutinizing dental images by means of machine learning algorithms, devising astute instruments

for dentistry and the merging of artificial intelligence into systems that maintain dental implants.

Moreover, the writers propose that advanced technology can offer assistance in identifying
developing oral ailments with greater ease and urgency facilitating improved therapeutic

measures yielding superior end results for patients. In spite of the compelling advances, there

exist several obstacles related to artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry including ethical

considerations, safeguarding data privacy and ensuring consistent updating and upkeep.

Therefore, it is crucial to address these challenges to ensure the ethical and responsible

integration of AI in dentistry. The prospects for AI in dentistry appear to be upbeat, and it will

undoubtedly elicit enthusiasm observing how this technology progresses and revolutionizes

dental treatment.
References:
Hassani, H., Amiri Andi, P., Ghodsi, A., Norouzi, K., Komendantova, N., & Unger, S. (2021).
Shaping the Future of Smart Dentistry: From Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Intelligence
Augmentation (IA). IoT, 2(3), 510–523. https://doi.org/10.3390/iot2030026

Khanagar, S. B., Al-ehaideb, A., Maganur, P. C., Vishwanathaiah, S., Patil, S., Baeshen, H. A.,
Sarode, S. C., & Bhandi, S. (2021). Developments, application, and performance of artificial
intelligence in dentistry – A systematic review. Journal of Dental Sciences, 16(1), 508–522.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jds.2020.06.019

Schwendicke, F., Samek, W., & Krois, J. (2020). Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: Chances
and Challenges. Journal of Dental Research, 99(7), 769–774.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0022034520915714

Yo-Wei Chen, Kyle Stanley, & Wael Att. (2019). Artificial intelligence in dentistry: current
applications and future perspectives. Quintessence International, 51(3), 248–257.
https://doi.org/10.3290/j.qi.a43952