3 minute read
Application of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
By Alan Friedel, DDS
We hear the words Artificial Intelligence (AI) applied to seemingly everything these days. What exactly does AI mean and how does it relate to the everyday practice of dentistry?
Artificial Intelligence is the term applied when computers are used to perform functions associated with intelligent beings. The concept is often used in conjunction with machine learning, which is the ability of computers to enhance performance based upon a feedback loop which improves outcomes.
AI has been utilized to improve the predictability of implant therapy and monitor orthodontic cases; now it is being used for dental radiology. It is this area of radiology that has been most active lately, in part because of the acceptance of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning and the sheer volume of data on a CBCT image. Use of CBCT has improved outcomes in implantology and improved the ability to diagnose pathology. The concern with CBCT images is that they cover a large field which must be viewed in its entirety, not just the practitioner’s area of interest. Even when viewing traditional Two-Dimensional (2D) radiographs, conventional wisdom is that 30% of the information is missed by the doctor.
How does AI fit into this “picture?”
Computers are now being trained to scan digital images — and read them. Through the use of AI, they can identify areas of concern and focus the eyes of the dentist on those specific areas. There are multiple products in various stages of development, but the standard is that the software directs the doctor to a place on the image and suggests a diagnosis. The actual diagnosis, and ultimately the treatment plan, are the sole responsibility of the dentist. The accuracy of these recommendations is a key factor in whether they are useful. AI and machine learning are engaged when the dentist reports back that the recommendation of the x-ray was incorrect. The computer uses that input to correct itself and, with time and more and more radiographs being run through the software, accuracy improves.
By reading the entire view, a doctor focused on a lower right molar on a panorex will not miss a sinus problem on the left side because the software will poke him to look beyond the immediate emergency. The goal is to improve outcomes because we will find pathology with much greater efficiency. As use of these products increases, models improve because of input from thousands of user dentists.
What other developments are now available that will transform dentistry?
There is now a product currently available that uses equipment no larger than a standard x-ray head to capture periapical-sized images that are three dimensional. Using the accompanying software, users can scroll through the body of a tooth from buccal to lingual and see things that 2D images compress. This means the possibility of navigating around overlapping teeth on bitewings and seeing many more cracks within teeth. During root canal therapy, there will be an ability to focus on individual canals within a tooth. It also allows a better perspective for the shape of periodontal bone loss and, in some cases, may give a better sense of where decay lies within a tooth.
Obtaining accurate images, whether annotated by computer AI or allowing for 3-Dimensional perspective provides for vastly improved diagnostic capability by dentists. This will allow us to treat our patients with a greater degree of confidence and the opportunity for higher success rates.
