Technology has changed how we consume media, engage with family and friends, our shopping habits, and even how we receive healthcare. It continues to impact and shape our lives in ways we never could have imagined a decade or two ago. Artificial Intelligence or AI, is one of the newest technological advances to come our way. It has caused controversy since it exploded in 2021, with some people welcoming it and others unsure it’s taking the world on the right track.
No matter your thoughts about AI, what is true is its benefit to the healthcare sector, including the dental field. With help from AI, dentists can more accurately and quickly diagnose, treat, and plan for a range of oral health concerns and help prevent them. My dentist explained the benefits of AI in dentistry and I want to share that information with you.
Dental Imaging and Artificial Intelligence
AI has made a substantial impact on dental imaging. Dentists rely on X-rays and other scans to expand their boundaries and detect issues unseen by the human eye. AI scans dental images to find defects the human eye could miss. Even small cracks in the teeth or cavities can be detected by AI.
AI allows dental experts to analyze information in real-time, enabling faster, more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. AI benefits dentistry, helping to reduce dental problems and keep teeth healthy and beautiful.
AI Improves Diagnostic Time & Results
Dentists can treat tooth decay, gum disease, and oral cancer the second it's spotted. The problem is, that spotting signs of these oral health issues is not always easy. AI makes a huge difference in the outcome of diagnosis and treatment, giving earlier diagnosis rates so problems can be treated before they become severe.
AI analyzes a patient’s oral health history, lifestyle habits, and medical history, and evaluates their risk of developing certain conditions. Dentists can use this information to pass on to patients and make informed decisions regarding preventative and treatment measures.
Oral cancer detection is one of AI’s specialties. Analyzing biopsy results and other data allows AI to help identify abnormal growth and other signs of oral cancer. AI diagnostic tools improve the outcome and survival rate for oral cancer patients.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Dentists can use AI to create an effective treatment plan tailored to the patient's needs. Treatment plans are critical in a patient’s treatment plan. When AI provides an error-proof plan, patients enjoy a precise, personalized, comfortable plan that helps protect their oral health.
AI can even improve restorative dentistry. For example, AI can help dental professionals create implants, bridges, and dental crowns using scans of a patient’s mouth. The result is better-fitting prosthetics and the best possible outcome of oral surgery. Patients enjoy longer-lasting, more comfortable results.
Preventative Dentistry With an AI Focus
AI is the oral health psychic, capable of predicting future problems a patient will likely experience. AI analyzes data and information to make predictions, in turn giving dentists what they need to provide more personalized, proactive care for each patient.
AI detects minor and serious oral health issues that a patient is likely to experience using a variety of factors, including their medical and oral history.
AI is one of the most beneficial tools dentists use to predict future oral health issues. With AI predictions, dentists can provide more proactive dental care. Ai detects minor and serious oral health problems a patient is likely to experience based on their oral health issues, medical history, and other information.
AI can recommend treatments and track their progress, allowing dentists to make adjustments as necessary.
Improved Patient Experience
Know it or not, AI benefits the patient experience by streamlining communication and improving their overall satisfaction after each visit. AI tools can schedule appointments, send reminders, provide post-treatment and after-treatment instructions, answer common questions, and more.
Patients feel satisfied with the level of attention and care they receive when AI is on the job. We always welcome tools designed to make life a little bit easier.
AI in The Dentistry Field FAQ
- Will AI replace dentists? One of the biggest fears surrounding AI is that it will replace humans. That isn’t likely to happen, especially for dentists. Although Artificial Intelligence offers amazing input and assistance, nothing and no one can replace the expertise and human touch of a dentist.
- What are the risks of AI in the dentistry field? AI is relatively safe, however, there are a few areas of concern. Misdiagnosis is possible if the AI system used has not been properly trained. Data privacy concerns like data breaches can lead to unauthorized access to personal information. Ethical issues also arise with the use of AI.
- What are the benefits of using AI in dentistry? Using AI in dentistry has numerous benefits, including quicker, more accurate diagnosis, personalized and effective treatment plans, and early detection of tumors, gum disease, and other oral health concerns. AI can also benefit dental offices with cost efficiency.
- Is AI currently being used in dental offices? Many dental offices currently use some form of AI-powered diagnostic or scheduling software and tools to assist them in their practice. Ask your dentist if you are curious to learn more.
- What if I am uncomfortable using AI? It is understandable that not everyone wants AI technology as part of their care plan. If you are uncomfortable, talk to your dentist about your concerns.
The Bottom Line
As technology evolves, so, too, will the world of dentistry. Artificial Intelligence has already benefited the dental sector, enhancing the way dentists operate and how patients receive treatments. It will continue to shape the future of dentistry and help provide better care and improved outcomes. Do not fear technology. Embrace it knowing that the future and your smile are brighter and healthier when AI is around.
