The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Integration of artificial intelligence in dentistry has transformed the way dental professionals diagnose, plan treatment, and manage patient care. AI technologies, such as machine learning and deep learning, enhance precision, efficiency, and effectiveness in dental practices to produce better outcomes. This review discusses the broad applications of AI in various fields of dentistry, which range from diagnostic imaging, prediction of treatment, restoration care, orthodontic practice, endodontics, and preventive care. In diagnostic imaging, for example, AI-based techniques such as CNNs significantly enhanced the ability to diagnose dental pathologies, for instance, caries, periodontal disease, and oral cancers, most of which are diagnosed at much earlier stages than with traditional approaches. These methods allow for fewer mistakes, better outcomes, and overall, a greater value for predictive modeling, and especially, treatment planning. Predictive modeling and treatment planning, along with outcome-driven analytics, are changing the formulation of prognosis and modeling of treatment, along with algorithms such as ANN. AI is an imperative core for restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Crown and denture design has significantly benefited from generative design algorithms and other automated design tools. Individualized prosthetic dentures and crowns that fit and are comfortable as well as aesthetic have advanced design. These AI tools in orthodontics and endodontics are also augmenting treatment precision by simulating tooth movements and success predictive modeling for techniques like root canals. The improvements that AI can and will offer dentistry as a whole are numerous. The challenge of implementing AI is widespread. Data privacy and the high cost of adopting advanced technologies are the core issues. The full potential of AI can and surely will augment the care of practice in augmenting AI in Dentistry.