The benefits of using AI in implant dentistry

17 April 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is growing very quickly in healthcare – including dentistry. This has led to a number of significant innovations in recent years, and the implementation of AI-driven technology across the profession. In dental implantology, it is important that clinicians understand the current and potential future uses of AI in the field, and the ways in which these might support, or elevate their current workflows.

Clinical applications of AI

 

Diagnosis and treatment planning

While AI facilitates enhanced workflows, helping to improve and speed up existing processes in the practice, it should'nt act as a substitute for the work of clinicians. Increasingly, practices across the UK are implementing AI-driven tools to support practitioners in diagnostics and treatment planning in various areas of the profession.[i] AI has been used to analyse radiographs, assess images for pathologies and pre-existing restorations, as well as in treatment planning to help enhance predictability. Machine learning and deep learning, two types of AI, prove to be very useful in these areas, assisting clinicians in diagnosis, decision making, predicting treatment outcomes, and treatment planning.[ii] Further to this, with 3D imaging systems such as CBCTs becoming more widely available, AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning is becoming increasingly accessible too.[iii]

 

Prediction of treatment outcomes

Particularly in the field of dental implantology, which is regarded by many as a litigious area, the need for predictable treatment outcomes is essential for patient satisfaction. As dental implants continue to be the preferred option for replacing missing teeth, it is becoming increasingly important to minimise the risk of complications – and the additional time and costs associated with this. It can be difficult to predict implant loss or complications, due to the wide-ranging risk factors associated with the treatment type. Practitioners’ knowledge and experience is relied upon here, allowing for a certain degree of human error. This is an area which would hugely benefit from a reliable AI risk-assessment tool.[iv]

 

Robotic implant surgery

Whilst this may still feel like a futuristic prospect to many, the advancement of AI may mean that robotic dentistry, including in the field of implant dentistry, becomes more commonplace in the years to come. Currently, it is expected that clinicians will still plan treatment, and oversee the surgery – enabling them to intervene if necessary – however surgical workflows of the future may be heavily supported by AI.[v]

 

Research and development in dental implantology

 

Optimised implant designs

In the future, AI may have an impact on research and development. In the field of dental implantology, this may mean that AI models are used to optimise dental implant design. This could focus on the mechanical behaviour of dental implants, with an aim to optimise the concentration of stress at the implant-bone interface. Ideally, this progress would result in more predictable treatments, and increased implant survival rates.[vi]

 

Perfect prostheses

Whilst current processes for producing prostheses have reached incredibly high standards, AI may have the potential to make further improvements. Research suggests that, as patient expectations are becoming ever higher, the use of AI may help clinicians to improve the standard of care they can offer. Within prosthodontics specifically, this might mean improved decision making, and more intuitive manufacturing processes.[vii] The integration of AI with CAD/CAM technology in particular may prove extremely useful in dental implant supported prostheses workflows, enabling clinicians and dental technicians to save time, keep down costs, and reduce the risk of errors in the final prosthesis.[viii]

 

Enhanced efficiency and patient care

 

Record keeping

In order to keep an accurate record of dental appointments. Clinicians must ensure that their notes are complete and contemporaneous.[ix] This can be an incredibly time-consuming task, and one which many dental professionals will agree is challenging – particularly in the litigious field of implant dentistry. It is incredibly important to ensure all aspects of consultations and treatments are recorded in the clinical notes, both to protect yourself, for you and your colleagues’ future reference, and to ensure that patients are receiving the most appropriate care for them. As such, it can be useful to utilise AI-driven digital platforms which improve the process, without compromising the quality and personal aspect of the notes.

Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) members gain access to a specifically designed ADI template on Kiroku, the AI-powered digital note taking system, as part of their membership. The ADI works to uphold standards in the field, with a wide-reaching educational offering to ensure that clinicians stay up-to-date on all the latest developments in the field. Further to this, the ADI understands the day-to-day challenges faced by clinicians who provide dental implants, which is why it offers its members access to Kiroku, to help improve their workflows, and enhance the care they provide their patients.

Whilst strides are being made in AI supported dentistry every day, it is important that clinicians maintain high standards of patient care and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements. Becoming part of a supportive and education-focussed group can be incredibly helpful when aiming to achieve best practice. 

 

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