The Cutting Edge of AI：Latest Technologies and Applications in Dental Research

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly advanced with improvements in computational power and the development of deep learning technologies. In dentistry, AI-based research has expanded markedly, particularly in diagnostic support using panoramic radiographs, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and intraoral images. AI has been applied not only to the detection of dental caries and periodontal disease, but also to diagnosis support and treatment planning support.

This article reviews the basic concepts of AI and recent technological advances relevant to dental research. It then summarizes current trends in dental AI, with a particular focus on image-based diagnostic support. In addition, we introduce our recent studies, including the development of an AI model for predicting debonding of CAD/CAM composite resin crowns in prosthodontic treatment and another AI model for assisting in the selection of implant drilling protocols based on CBCT images. The article also discusses explainable AI (XAI), which is important for the clinical interpretation of AI outputs, as well as the integration of AI with robotics in dentistry.

Although AI has considerable potential to support dental diagnosis and treatment planning, several challenges remain, including explainability, external validity, reproducibility, ethics, and safety. For AI to make a meaningful contribution to dentistry, it is essential not only to improve technical performance but also to evaluate its clinical usefulness and limitations appropriately and to promote its safe and effective implementation.