The Future is Artificial
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 16th June 2022
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has become more widely used than ever before. In fact, it’s become so popular that you may not have noticed that your sat-nav, social media, e-payments, and more all use AI to some extent. Of course, some people are worried that if technology becomes too advanced it could replace the human element of certain job roles, but so far it seems to be mostly beneficial. AI has started to aid people in not just their every day lives but also in dentistry too.
What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial intelligence is a type of computer science, which aims to mimic the cognitive functionality of humans.[i] When most people think about AI, they imagine life-like robots and virtual reality. However, there are actually two types of AI: machine learning and deep learning.
Machine learning: this branch of AI consists of systems performing intelligent tasks without prior knowledge or handcrafted rules. Without human assistance, the programme uses large datasets to identify patterns and denote answers – it’s similar to showing a child pictures to identify until they can recognise the object independently.
Deep learning: this type of AI developed out of machine learning. Deep learning is where an AI system not only learns patterns but can also identify objects, for instance, without having the whole picture present. Essentially, deep learning is more sophisticated and able to perform more complex tasks.
Why Develop Artificial Intelligence?
While AI hasn’t always been a household feature, it’s been around for longer than you might anticipate. In fact, the earliest work recorded in the field was during the 1930s when Alan Mathison Turing developed a scanner that was dictated by a programme of instructions – the machine could effectively run itself based on an algorithm.[ii] People soon realised just how beneficial it could be for clinicians to work with this kind of technology. Specifically, in a healthcare setting AI can work with large amounts of data very quickly and use it to obtain insights and inform clinical practice.[iii] It has also been developed to provide up-to-date medical information and reduce diagnostic miscalculations that are inevitable in human-error.
The Impact on Dentistry
As dentistry has developed, the need for accurate diagnostics has grown alongside. Technology that provides reliable information, such as AI, has supported the decision-making process for clinicians while patients have enjoyed better outcomes.[iv] A review of some of the latest AI technologies used in dentistry revealed that their performance is excellent – they are able to mimic the precision and accuracy of trained specialists almost exactly.[v] It has also been noted that deep learning has performed well when used to predict the debonding probability of CAD/CAM crowns from 3D models.[vi] Overall, the impact of AI on dentistry seems to be incredibly positive.
Technologies Available Today
Within dentistry there are already a wide range of AI technologies available. In particular, orthodontic and endodontic treatments have seen great improvement with the addition of AI.[vii] Orthodontic treatment has benefitted from traditional machine learning programmes. They are used to identify whether tooth extraction is necessary during the treatment planning process and have an accuracy level of 80-93% in determining whether patients with malocclusions need extractions before treatment.[viii], [ix] Endodontics has benefitted too. The variations that can occur in a patient’s bone can impact treatment success. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become the gold standard. AI has been introduced to aid the technology in identifying the bone-quality of a patient.vii Deep learning artificial intelligence programmes have also been developed to improve the detection and diagnosis of dental caries. Research showed an accuracy of 75.5-93.3% and a sensitivity of 74.5-97.1% with this technology, which is a considerable improvement, compared to clinicians using radiographs alone whose sensitivity varied from 19-94%.vii, [x] This has led to better outcomes for patients and generally more success in treatment.
As mentioned, the addition of AI in dentistry has improved treatment outcomes time and time again. You can integrate artificial intelligence into your practice with the CS 9600 CBCT system from Carestream Dental. The scanner uses AI-powered positioning to ensure that you get consistent results effortlessly. Plus, it also allows you to scan your patient in a seated position as it includes a retractable seat – your patients will generally have a more positive experience if they remain comfortable throughout their appointment and you’ll receive even clearer images when your patient is able to remain still. You’ll also be provided with crystal-clear images to assist you with the diagnostic and treatment planning process and for you to effectively educate your patients too.
In summary, AI has come a long way from where it first started and it has benefitted people in all walks of life. The everyday person now has access to AI technology that would’ve been inconceivable mere decades ago. However, in modern dentistry, AI has improved treatment planning and patient outcomes, solidifying its place as a useful adjunct to care.
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Author:
Nimisha Nariapara is the Trade Marketing Manager at Carestream Dental covering the UK, Middle East, Nordics, South Africa, Russia and CIS regions. She has worked at Carestream Dental for the past 7 years, where she has developed her marketing skills and industry knowledge to bring the core values and philosophy of the company to the market.
[i] What Is Artificial Intelligence | Accenture (2021). What Is Machine Learning? [online] Accenture.com. Available at: https://www.accenture.com/gb-en/insights/artificial-intelligence-summary-index?c=acn_glb_brandexpressiongoogle_12626059&n=psgs_1221&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpuXzzcaV9gIVEI7ICh2HGg-FEAAYAyAAEgJtI_D_BwE [Accessed 23 Feb. 2022].
[ii] Copeland, B.J. (2019). Artificial Intelligence – Alan Turing and the Beginning of AI. In: Encyclopædia Britannica. [online] Available at: https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/Alan-Turing-and-the-beginning-of-AI [Accessed 22 Feb. 2022].
[iii] Jiang, F., Jiang, Y., Zhi, H., Dong, Y., Li, H., Ma, S., Wang, Y., Dong, Q., Shen, H. and Wang, Y. (2017). Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Past, Present and Future. Stroke and Vascular Neurology, [online] 2(4), pp.230–243. Available at: https://svn.bmj.com/content/2/4/230 [Accessed 22 Feb. 2022].
[iv] Chen, Y.-W., Stanley, K. and Att, W. (2020). Artificial Intelligence in dentistry: Current Applications and Future Perspectives. Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany: 1985), [online] 51(3), pp.248–257. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32020135/ [Accessed 23 Feb. 2022].
[v] Khanagar, S.B., Al-ehaideb, A., Maganur, P.C., Vishwanathaiah, S., Patil, S., Baeshen, H.A., Sarode, S.C. and Bhandi, S. (2021). Developments, application, and Performance of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry – a Systematic Review. Journal of Dental Sciences, 16(1), pp.508–522.
[vi] Ahmed, N., Abbasi, M.S., Zuberi, F., Qamar, W., Halim, M.S.B., Maqsood, A. and Alam, M.K. (2021). Artificial Intelligence Techniques: Analysis, Application, and Outcome in Dentistry—A Systematic Review. BioMed Research International, [online] 2021, p.e9751564. Available at: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2021/9751564/ [Accessed 23 Feb. 2022].
[vii] Nguyen, T., Larrivée, N., Lee, A., Bilaniuk, O. and Durand, R. (2021). Use of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: Current Clinical Trends and Research Advances. J Can Dent Assoc, 87, p.7.
[viii] Xie, X., Wang, L. and Wang, A. (2010). Artificial Neural Network Modeling for Deciding If Extractions Are Necessary Prior to Orthodontic Treatment. The Angle Orthodontist, 80(2), pp.262–266.
[ix] Jung, S.-K. and Kim, T.-W. (2016). New Approach for the Diagnosis of Extractions with Neural Network Machine Learning. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Official Publication of the American Association of Orthodontists, Its Constituent Societies, and the American Board of Orthodontics, [online] 149(1), pp.127–133. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26718386/ [Accessed 23 Feb. 2022].
[x] Bader, J.D., Shugars, D.A. and Bonito, A.J. (2001). Systematic Reviews of Selected Dental Caries Diagnostic and Management Methods. Journal of Dental Education, [online] 65(10), pp.960–968. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11699997/ [Accessed 23 Feb. 2022].
