Artificial intelligence is the hottest buzzword in many industries, and dentistry is no exception. AI can use supervised learning algorithms to make dental treatments more precise, efficient, and patient focused in the next few years. AI is already gaining a foothold in dentistry with computer vision, speech recognition, and precise analysis of unstructured data.
How can AI benefit patients and dentists, and how will the rapid spread of AI technologies influence the dentist-patient relationship? Let’s examine a few dentistry trends in an AI-driven world.
AI-assisted Diagnosis
When a dentist examines a patient’s mouth, there’s always room for error, either because of time constraints or because the appointment focuses on a specific problem. AI technology that uses deep neural network learning can fill in the gaps when analyzing CBCT scans, radiographs, MRI scans, and other types of patient data.
AI can help diagnose the following:
- Dental decay: Thanks to its ability to process complex data precisely and instantly, AI can diagnose dental lesions a dentist might have overlooked and detect cavities at very early stages.
- Deep tooth damage: Artificial intelligence can determine the viability of a tooth root and help dentists decide whether to recommend a root canal procedure.
- Periodontal disease: Using automated depth probing, artificial intelligence can help dentists detect the precise stage of periodontal disease.
- Oral cancer: Artificial intelligence could incorporate oral and oropharyngeal cancer screenings into regular dental check-ups, help diagnose cancer in its early stages, and improve patient survival rates.
- Misalignments: AI may provide valuable predictions at the start of an orthodontic treatment, like the best path for aligning teeth or possible future extractions.
Restorative Dentistry Technology
According to a recent study published in Dental Materials, dental crowns generated with the help of artificial intelligence were closer to natural tooth structure than conventionally produced crowns.1
Artificial intelligence can provide a closer fit than traditionally made crowns by analyzing data from adjacent teeth and comparing them across an extensive “library” of crown templates. The method could save considerable time and cost, as it would require less human adjustment than current crown production processes.
This technology has the potential to revolutionize the field of restorative dentistry, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures.
Treatment Plans and Dental Ethics
With a detailed examination and diagnosis supported by artificial intelligence, it will be easier for dentists to build treatment plans to answer patients’ needs. In case there’s a clash between the patient’s wishes and the dentist’s recommendations, AI can serve as a neutral arbitrator presenting clinically sound data and letting the patient know whether the dentist has provided an optimal plan.
Artificial intelligence can also support dental ethics by improving transparency in dental treatment plans. Patients will be less likely to wonder whether their dental practice is cutting corners or pushing expensive treatments for its own benefit. AI technology can help foster trust between dentists and patients by curtailing unethical dental practices.
Practice Management
As a dental practice owner or manager, you’re probably always looking for new methods to make practice management easier and more cost effective. While advanced tools like the Patient Portal and Digital Forms eliminate a lot of hassle and paperwork, artificial intelligence can take the clinical efficiency of your practice a leap further.
AI can reduce errors, redundancies, and delays from many processes that currently take a lot of human resources and time, including the following:
- Calculating staff payments
- Invoicing
- Patients’ legal documentation
- Stock management
- Real-time communication with patients after business hours
Where Does AI Leave the Dentist?
With all the innovations of AI, the scenario of AI-powered robots replacing dentists still belongs in the realm of science fiction. The connection between the dentist and the patient remains the focal point of every dental experience, even in an era of advanced AI tech.
Smart dental professionals will harness the power of AI for more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Dentists can use AI to save time and resources so that each patient enjoys a superior experience with maximum personal attention. This human touch, including empathy, flexibility, and a strong focus on patient experience, will help dental practices stand out in the upcoming years.
Dental Intelligence Helps Your Clinic Keep Up with the Latest Trends in Dentistry
At Dental Intelligence, we supply practical, innovative, and time-saving solutions for dental practices of all sizes. Our efficient practice management tools and advanced payment technologies help your practice stay competitive in an artificial intelligence-driven world. Schedule a demo today.
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