- Artificial Intelligence is the simulation of human intelligence by machines. It mimics the human brain and its problem-solving ability by computer systems.
- In simple terms, the computer begins to think and process complicated problems that the human brain is capable of. We are aware of how Artificial Intelligence is helping mankind day-to-day with a broad scope of applications. Its role in the medical industry is being thoroughly researched with implementation in several aspects. This article, however, emphasises the role of AI in dentistry and dental applications.
If you think that AI is limited to only the most advanced dental setup and practices, you will be surprised to know that AI is already playing a significant role in your dental clinic. Your online presence on Google is in itself a start. A patient visiting your dental clinic for the first time uses Google Maps to reach your location for a consultation. Google Maps introduced Immersive View in May 2023, allowing you to visualize every segment of a route before you go. It uses AI to fuse billions of routes and aerial images to create a rich, digital model of our world!
- AI's involvement in aesthetic dentistry can ensure a clinician with precise treatment plans and clinical procedures. Intraoral scanners with their complete jaw scans help clinicians simulate the jaw movements and occlusion pattern outside the mouth by analysing the same on the software. The quick, seamless display on the monitor screen can help diagnose malocclusion, trauma from occlusion, and restricted chewing patterns, which can easily be explained to the patient, motivating them to get treatment. Today, facial scanners can accurately display facial profiles and merge them with dental profiles, paving the way for aesthetic and functionally driven rehabilitations.
- Today, most dental labs across India use Exocad with clinicians to digitally plan either a single unit prosthesis or a full mouth rehabilitation and effectively communicate with clinicians. Smile Creator from Exocad allows clinicians to load patient photographs into the software, which then converts these images to 3D objects that match the 3D scans of the teeth. Furthermore, the clinician can choose the right smile for their patient by selecting different tooth shapes from their extensive online library, thus creating customized smiles for patients using artificial intelligence.
- At my dental practice, I focus on delivering customized/tailor-made smiles for my patients. I firmly believe "one size does not fit all," and the people who visit my clinic want to know which teeth shape and form would suit them. Extra-oral, intra-oral, and full-face photographs (taken with my DSLR camera) are uploaded to the DTS-Pro software (which I routinely use) to visualise the best smile for my patient. The simple illustration of how AI has infused itself into the world of aesthetic dentistry is seen first-hand by my patients, and truly appreciated. Using these impressive technologies help in marketing your dental practice and help set yourself apart from other practices.
- A 3D printer is another piece of technology that I frequently use in my clinic. AI has accelerated the development of 3D printing and significantly has helped reduced errors in printing. The most significant advantage is that dental models can be printed in the clinic, ruling out stone-poured models that are brittle, difficult to transport, and time-saving. We can also print crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays and even mock-ups of smile designs.
- Also, AI is now playing a big role in dental imaging with AI segmentation for accurate treatment planning with full mouth dental implants. AI with AR/VR can make communication seamless with patients and dental lab technicians enhancing collaboration and improving treatment outcomes.
- What Lies Ahead?
- Shortly, Indian Dentistry will soon witness robotics powered by AI. One wouldn't be surprised to find robots at the front desk taking care of patient consultations, billings, and appointments. Robotic and AI-assisted dental implant surgeries have been in the making for a while in China, and as per a recent article, they have demonstrated the same at a dental exhibition.
- Can AI & Robots Replace Dentists?
- In my 12 years as a cosmetic dentist, I have witnessed the transition to AI in dental applications. Artificial intelligence can help a dentist, make their practice technologically advanced, and make dentistry more effortless, predictable, and precise, but it cannot replace the human touch. As humans, we need the TLC (Tender Loving Care), especially when we are unwell.
- We look forward to a doctor's consultation, keeping up our hopes of getting better, which is irreplaceable. No robotics or AI can replace the empathetic human touch. If given a choice, I would rename aritifical intelligence to artificially assisted intelligence (AAI) because I feel it is an assisted technology, not an irreplaceable one!
- In a nutshell, Artificial Intelligence is one of the best things that happened to an aesthetically driven practice like mine. It has made my treatment planning, execution, and work predictable and precise. It has helped me become a better dentist, improving the standard of care provided to my patients.
- Author:
- Dr. Sanah Sayed
- Cosmetic Dentist
- iSmyle Dental Centre, Pune
- KOL for Kulzer International,
- Winner of Famdent "Aesthetic Practice of the Year" 2024