The Digital Clone: Intraoral Scanning, Face Scans and Cone Beam Computed Tomography Integration for Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality for Guided Implant Surgery Planning: a Proof of Concept

PURPOSE

To present a novel protocol for authentic three-dimensional (3D) planning of dental implants, using artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR).

METHODS

The novel protocol consists of (1) 3D data acquisition, with an intraoral scanner (IOS) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT); (2) application of AI for CBCT segmentation to obtain standard tessellation language (STL) models and automatic alignment with IOS models; (3) loading of selected STL models within the AR system and surgical planning with holograms; (4) surgical guide design with open-source computer-assisted-design (CAD) software; and (5) surgery on the patient.

RESULTS

This novel protocol is effective and time-efficient when used for planning simple cases of static guided implant surgery in the partially edentulous patient. The clinician can plan the implants in an authentic 3D environment, without using any radiological guided surgery software. The precision of implant placement looks clinically acceptable, with minor deviations.

CONCLUSIONS

AI and AR technologies can be successfully used for planning guided implant surgery for authentic 3D planning that may replace conventional guided surgery software. However, further clinical studies are needed to validate this protocol.

STATEMENT OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The combined use of AI and AR may change the perspectives of modern guided implant surgery for authentic 3D planning that may replace conventional guided surgery software.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

The Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry offers this review of the 2021 dental literature in restorative dentistry to inform busy dentists regarding noteworthy scientific and clinical progress over the past year. Each member of the committee brings discipline-specific expertise to coverage of this broad topical area. Specific subject areas addressed, in order of the appearance in this report, include COVID-19 and the dental profession (new); prosthodontics; periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; implant dentistry; dental materials and therapeutics; occlusion and temporomandibular disorders; sleep-related breathing disorders; oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and dental caries and cariology. The authors focused their efforts on reporting information likely to influence daily dental treatment decisions with an emphasis on future trends in dentistry. With the tremendous volume of dentistry and related literature being published daily, this review cannot possibly be comprehensive. Rather, its purpose is to update interested readers and provide important resource material for those interested in pursuing greater details on their own. It remains our intent to assist colleagues in negotiating the extensive volume of important information being published annually. It is our hope that readers find this work useful in successfully managing the patients and dental problems they encounter.

An overview of three-dimensional imaging devices in dentistry

OBJECTIVE

To review four types of three-dimensional imaging devices: intraoral scanners, extraoral scanners, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and facial scanners, in terms of their development, technologies, advantages, disadvantages, accuracy, influencing factors, and applications in dentistry.

METHODS

PubMed (National Library of Medicine) and Google Scholar databases were searched. Additionally, the scanner manufacturers' websites were accessed to obtain relevant data. Four authors independently selected the articles, books, and websites. To exclude duplicates and scrutinize the data, they were uploaded to Mendeley Data. In total, 135 articles, two books, and 17 websites were included.

RESULTS

Research and clinical practice have shown that oral and facial scanners and CBCT can be used widely in various areas of dentistry with high accuracy.

CONCLUSION

Although further advancement of these devices is desirable, there is no doubt that digital technology represents the future of dentistry. Furthermore, the combined use of different devices may bring dentistry into a new era. These four devices will play a significant role in clinical utility with high accuracy. The combined use of these devices should be explored further.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The four devices will play a significant role in clinical use with high accuracy. The combined use of these devices should be explored further.