Artificial Intelligence in Prosthodontics and Oral Implantology – A Narrative Review

Abstract

Dentistry incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a reality and not just a myth. By using machines to mimic intelligent human behaviour, AI has significantly changed the medical and dental fields. This contemporary and information-driven innovative technology is gaining worldwide popularity due to its significant impact on intelligence innovation. AI is a lifesaver in dentistry, specifically in prosthodontics, which involves the restoration and reconstruction of missing teeth using implants for permanent and removable prostheses. The technology aids in designing prostheses, fabricating functional maxillofacial appliances, patient documentation, diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management, allowing oral healthcare professionals to work more efficiently. AI cannot, however, take the position of a dental surgeon because their work requires more than just diagnosing diseases; it also entails treating patients and correlating findings with other clinical data. A new paradigm in dentistry has emerged because of the integration of AI and digitization, with potential futures. Dental surgeons should concentrate on gathering and entering accurate data into their database for AI usage in dentistry shortly to get beyond the only obstacle to the deployment of AI, which is the availability of insufficient and inaccurate data. To diagnose problems and develop patient-specific prostheses, the present narrative review article examines numerous uses of AI in prosthodontics and oral implantology, as well as its current limitations and potential future applications.