Artificial intelligence in dentistry: It’s applications, impact and challenges

Abstract

In dentistry, artificial intelligence (AI) has shown great potential in improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care. AI algorithms have been developed to analyze dental images, such as radiographs and intraoral scans, aiding in the detection of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and oral lesions. These algorithms can provide more accurate and efficient diagnoses, reducing the reliance on human interpretation. AI has also been utilized in treatment planning and helping dentists to determine the optimal approach for procedures such as dental implant placement and orthodontic treatment, and recently, AI has also been playing a significant role in forensic medicine as well as in forensic odontology. In addition, AI-based chatbots and virtual assistants have been developed to provide patients with personalized oral health information and guidance. Despite the numerous advantages, challenges remain in implementing AI in dentistry, such as ensuring data privacy and addressing ethical concerns. Nevertheless, AI has the potential to revolutionize dentistry by improving diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient care, ultimately leading to better oral health outcomes. This review provides an overview of the current applications of AI and its influence on dental practice, along with future prospects.