Computer-based approaches for maxillofacial interventions

Dentronics: Towards robotics and artificial intelligence in dentistry

OBJECTIVES

This paper provides an overview of existing applications and concepts of robotic systems and artificial intelligence in dentistry. This review aims to provide the community with novel inputs and argues for an increased utilization of these recent technological developments, referred to as Dentronics, in order to advance dentistry.

METHODS

First, background on developments in robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are reviewed that may enable novel assistive applications in dentistry (Sec A). Second, a systematic technology review that evaluates existing state-of-the-art applications in AI, ML and robotics in the context of dentistry is presented (Sec B).

RESULTS

A systematic literature research in pubmed yielded in a total of 558 results. 41 studies related to ML, 53 studies related to AI and 49 original research papers on robotics application in dentistry were included. ML and AI have been applied in dental research to analyze large amounts of data to eventually support dental decision making, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning with the help of data-driven analysis algorithms based on machine learning. So far, only few robotic applications have made it to reality, mostly restricted to pilot use cases.

SIGNIFICANCE

The authors believe that dentistry can greatly benefit from the current rise of digital human-centered automation and be transformed towards a new robotic, ML and AI-enabled era. In the future, Dentronics will enhance reliability, reproducibility, accuracy and efficiency in dentistry through the democratized use of modern dental technologies, such as medical robot systems and specialized artificial intelligence. Dentronics will increase our understanding of disease pathogenesis, improve risk-assessment-strategies, diagnosis, disease prediction and finally lead to better treatment outcomes.

Novel electrical conductivity device for osteotomy preparation for dental implants placement: A cadaver study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the accuracy, safety, and anticipation effect of a novel electrical conductivity device (SG) in maxillary osteotomy preparation for placement of dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven osteotomies were prepared by three operators with different levels of expertise, using the SG protocol in the maxilla of six fresh frozen cadavers. A pre-op CT measurement of the length of bone in the desired implant location was taken and compared with the final length of the osteotomy created using SG during surgery. A comparison was made between the results of the different operators.

RESULTS

The pre-op CT bone length measurements and the final depth assessment of the osteotomy with SG had a very high correlation level (0.977) with a significant mean difference of 0.639 mm (P < .0001), with the pre-op CT measurements being longer. The least experienced operator had placed the implants 0.924 mm less deep than the pre-op CT length measurements while the most experienced operator had placed the implants 0.244 mm less deep than the pre op CT length measurements. All implants were placed in the correct position and no breach of the sinus/nasal floor or buccal/palatine bone plates was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The SG electrical conductivity device offers the operator real-time monitoring during the surgical procedure. It provides a simple, safe, and sensitive method of detecting breaches, making it simple and safe for oral surgeons with different levels of expertise to use, with promising results.