The next revolution in technology has been steadily making waves through many industries around the world. While AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been controversial in its use in art and web content, it has been quietly improving lives as part of the dental field. AI dentistry is here to stay, and its technology is only becoming smarter and more useful.
If you want to learn more about AI dentistry, and how your dentist may already be embracing this technology to serve you better, continue reading.
What is AI Dentistry?
Many newer technologies such as CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanners and CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) machines already have AI technology built into them. There are different types of AI on the market, but dental tech generally uses convolutional neural networks (CNNs). These programs are made of machine “brains” stacked on top of one another that can analyze images, sounds, and video in great detail.
How is AI Used Now?
AI is used in more ways now than you think! There are currently programs available at every stage of the process from diagnostics to diagnosis and treatment.
Digital Scanners
Digital scanners use AI to produce more accurate scans of a patient’s teeth without the use of dental putty (many readers just breathed a sigh of relief).
CBCT Scanners
In addition, CBCT scanners utilize a different suite of AI programs to map not only your teeth, but also your bones, nerves, and muscle. These scans can provide an accurate model of your entire oral cavity with far less radiation than a traditional X-ray machine.
CEREC Machines
CEREC machines are essentially 3D printers for dental prosthetics. They read scans taken by your dentist and use AI to create models and accurately carve those models out of ceramic materials.
Cavity and Disease Diagnosis
As if all this weren’t impressive enough, AI is also becoming more accurate in diagnosing tooth decay, gum disease, and even oral cancer. These diagnoses are vital to early detection and treatment. As AI gets smarter, these detections will save more teeth and improve more lives.
What Are Some Challenges AI Dentistry Faces?
It’s not all sunshine in the world of AI. There are still questions to be asked and debated about its ability to analyze patient data. Many fear that this could lead to breaches in patient-dentist trust and confidentiality. Others fear that AI could replace dentists in the future as the technology grows.
Fear not. There will always be a need for the personal and analytical mind of a dentist. AI should be seen as a tool, and not an intern that will soon take over your local dentist’s office. In the right hands, AI can be a force for good and give more time to dentists to focus on the most important part of their work—their patients.
About the Practice
Dr. Philip Batson and Dr. Elizabeth “Liz” Abe are your expert dental team at Columbia Healthy Smiles. Their mission is to help their patients reach their smile goals with customized treatments aided by state-of-the-art dental technology. They have embraced new ways to better serve their patients and will continue to offer smarter, faster services. Call (573) 875-7071 to schedule an appointment or visit the website to learn more.