Major Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry – Healthcare Tech Outlook

Computer vision systems can identify dental deterioration using various object identification and semantic segmentation techniques

FREMONT, CA: AI-powered dental imaging software can assist in swiftly and efficiently making sense of the data. Machine learning algorithms also outperformed dentists in diagnosing tooth decay and predicting whether a tooth should be removed, kept, or restored. Before you worry that a robot will replace the kind human who looks after your teeth, know that ML and computer vision systems are being used to assist your dentist in providing the best possible treatment.

Detection of dental deterioration

Enlisting the assistance of other (computer vision) eyes can increase dentists' capacity to diagnose and treat difficulties in the same. And sometimes, that extra assistance is more valuable than you might think. Computer vision systems can identify dental deterioration using various object identification and semantic segmentation techniques. One method is to train CNNs on large sets of photos, including labeled carious lesions.

Oral cancer screening

While losing a tooth is upsetting, it pales in comparison to the consequences of oral cancer. Furthermore, diagnosing the early signs of oral cancer is not difficult. Visible oral lesions known as "oral potentially malignant disorders" (OPMDs) are a significant indicator of cancer and can be found during routine oral exams by a general dentist. The issue is that this type of inspection is not performed frequently enough during dental visits. If only there were simple, low-cost methods for automating the detection of cancerous or potentially malignant tumors.

Dental caries detection and diagnosis

Early identification of dental caries, like oral cancer, is crucial to preventing irreversible injury. Cavities that are addressed early minimize treatment costs, restoration time, and the chance of tooth loss dramatically. However, computer-aided detection and diagnosis systems (CAD) are gradually becoming a common feature of dental clinics. These technologies can detect oral pathology by reading dental X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) pictures. Furthermore, computer vision-powered systems can assess lesion depth and use this information to detect and classify lesions.

Endodontics

Endodontics is something you've probably heard of if you've ever had a root canal. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) offers applications that can assist dentists in detecting and treating these feared illnesses even more effectively. Endodontists often examine, measure, and evaluate the status of the tooth beneath the gums using radiographic imaging. Deep learning algorithms can then detect, locate, and classify various elements of tooth root anatomy and potential diseases. It is beneficial for locating specific tooth features and identifying particular types of fissures and lesions in or around the tooth.

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Major Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry - Healthcare Tech Outlook