Integrating AI into your Dental Practice
William Goddard
/ April 4, 2024
Kingsport, TN
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is more than a buzzword these days. AI is making its way into many aspects of our lives and the dental field is not off limits. You may assume that AI involves robots replacing humans and their jobs. But that’s not the case. Specially designed software supported by AI and digital scanners have been in use in dentistry for many years. Intraoral scanners and in-office milling units are a form of AI that allow dentists to fabricate same-day restorations and provide better, faster results for patients. Additionally, dental laboratories across the U.S. have embraced this sophisticated technology as a way to provide top-notch restorations for patient treatment cases. But if you aren’t using AI, your practice may not perform as well as it could. So today on the blog, we share ways to integrate AI into your dental practice and the benefits of this technology.
No more physical impressions
Dentists have relied upon physical impressions for restorations for decades. With that, however, comes a higher risk of cross contamination of pathogens. Physical impressions also aren’t nearly as accurate as their digital counterparts. Furthermore, patients often complain about the impression tray feeling too bulky in their mouth, the impression material is cold and causes tooth discomfort, and patients often feel like they are gagging. However, digital impressions taken with an intraoral scanner are a safer, easier, and quicker process for both the clinician and patient.
Intraoral scanners are rather small, about the same size as an electric toothbrush. Therefore, receiving a digital scan is much more comfortable than with a goopy impression tray. The patient won’t feel a thing as the scanner captures 3D images of their teeth and so the entire process is comfortable. It also only takes a minute or two to capture the necessary images, which reduces chair time and helps patients get on their way quicker.
Save time in the lab
Lab-created restorations require a longer process when starting from a conventional impression. For instance, the impression is taken from the patient, then we receive the impression and make a digitized Micro-CT that is used to create a 3D model. From the model we create the AI-enhanced crown design, then the augmented production phase begins. Finally, we have a restoration that is delivered to the dental practice.
However, with digital impressions, those images are sent to the lab electronically, and we immediately begin the design phase, then mill the restoration and the process is complete. Better yet, the process is so much faster using digital impressions that we are able to deliver the crown back the same day. That way, the patient won’t have to wear a temporary crown for weeks while waiting for their restoration.
Additionally, many dentists use an in-office milling unit to make single crowns while patients wait. This saves even more time, although dentists that utilize in-office milling machines still rely on dental labs for many other types of restorations, especially extensive cases, implants, or dentures.
Should you invest in AI for your dental practice?
Absolutely! AI in dentistry can be as simple as an intraoral scanner. It saves you time and money, plus your patients will be pleased with their experience and results. If you’re ready to invest in AI for your practice but aren’t sure where to start? Let us help! We work with many dental practices across the U.S. that use digital oral scanners and can help you narrow your search for the perfect technology for your practice. Learn more by contacting Premier Dental Arts at (888) 732-5221.