The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in dentistry may seem like it was ripped straight out of a science fiction film, but it has been integrated into our lives far more than you might realize: whether it be the voice assistant on your phone or streaming suggestions. And now it is causing a splash in the dentistry world. 

As a matter of fact, AI is transforming the way dentists diagnose, formulate treatment plans and even create dental restorations such as crowns or implants. 

And in case you ever hoped that dental appointments would be faster, more precise, and less uncomfortable, you will be happy to learn that AI in the dental field is bringing that desired change. 

Here is more on how AI is transforming restorative dentistry 

Smarter Caries Detection (Yes, Even the tiny ones)

Early diagnosis of caries is crucial, yet early lesions are known to be extraordinarily elusive to detect, particularly in the interproximal regions that are difficult to access. This is the strong point of AI in dentistry, which can provide a level of diagnostic assistance. 

AI models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) evaluate intraoral images and radiographs. 

• Detection accuracy: 
• ~60 percent in the case of enamel caries. 
• ~97 percent of dentinal caries. 
• Accuracy of close to 100 percent on cavities as small as 0.6 mm. 
• Most effective with periapical radiographs and more so when used together with CBCT scans. 

AI’s ability to increase diagnoses by increasing early detection rates does more than improve the diagnosis procedure, it allows dentists to intervene earlier, frequently eliminating more invasive and costly treatments in the future.  

And that is exactly how scanO (previously DentalDost) is changing restorative dentistry through the latest AI and digital workflow, which simplifies the processes, enables better diagnostics, and increases patient confidence. Here’s how:

• AI-Based Precision Diagnostics 

Ultra-fast scans: scanO ecosystem made it possible to perform contactless high-resolution oral scans in less than 2 minutes with scanO Air and have an AI-generated report instantly, reliably indicating cavities, gum health and other problems 

Very high precision: Smartphone-based scans have claimed precision of more than 90-96% in diagnosing the problem, ensuring that the issues are detected early- sometimes even before the patients realize they have a problem. 

• Augmented Restorative Workflows 

Digital imaging and intraoral scanning: The digital impressions enable the accuracy in planning and preparing the restorations, and it simulates the benefits of desktop intraoral scanners: accuracy, speed, and comfort, without the use of conventional molds 

Enhanced Dentist-Patient Communication 

Visual reports: Patients and dentists get obvious visualizations of identified issues and the timeliness of actions 

Efficiency

scanO Engage platform manages appointments, patient records and follow-ups, leaving dentists to concentrate on the restorative treatment and not administration

Area	Traditional Practice	scanO-Enhanced Practice
🦷 Impressions	• Physical molds • Discomfort during procedure • Risk of retakes	• 🖥️ Digital scans • ⏱️ Completed in 2 mins • 🙌 Contactless and patient-friendly
🔍 Diagnosis	• Clinical exam • X-rays required	• 🤖 AI-powered early detection • 🦠 Detects cavities & gum issues
📝 Treatment Planning	• Manual marking by dentist • Patient uncertainty and confusion	• 📊 Visual AI-generated reports • ✅ Higher treatment acceptance
⏳ Procedure Time	• Multiple clinic visits • Lab processing delays	• 🔄 Streamlined digital workflow • 📅 Fewer appointments
📈 Follow-up & Prevention	• Reactive approach only after issues appear	• 📡 Continuous monitoring • 📊 Analytics-driven • 🛡️ Proactive care & prevention

Tooth preparation and selection of the material 

Think of a crown or restoration that seats the first time perfectly.  

This is what AI is assisting dentists to accomplish. Among the most promising ones is its use in helping dentists in restorative procedures, especially in preparation. 

• Accuracy of tooth preparation: Recognizes finish line and margin design with 90-97 % accuracy. 
• Failure prediction: Predicts problems such as resin debonding or dislodgment of the crown. 
• Material recommendations:Recommends materials that fit the preparation. 

Such predictive ability enables dentists to design treatment plans in a more efficient way and minimize the risks of post-treatment failures. It is also resulting in more conservative dentistry, and trying to save as much healthy tooth structure as possible. 

Enhanced Accuracy in Endodontics- Making Root Canal Treatment Less Guesswork, More Science 

Endodontics has always been a complex part of dentistry because of the anatomy of the root canal systems, the inability to easily locate periapical pathology and the need for precise instrumentation. Luckily enough, AI is becoming a key instrument in overcoming these issues. 

Key features : 

• Detection of periapical lesions with a reliability of 92.8 per cent.  
• Differentiates between cysts and granulomas using CBCT and radiographs.  
• Accurately located: Apical foramen, Canal diameters (major and minor), Curvatures and root morphologies in 3D.  

This level of detail is not only academically fascinating—it’s clinically transformative. Accurate visualization reduces the risk of procedural errors and improves the overall success rate of root canal therapies. 

Smarter Prosthetic Design and Aesthetics 

 If you’ve ever had a mouthful of impression material while getting a crown, good news: AI is helping eliminate the mess.  

AI-integrated CAD-CAM systems create:  

• Highly detailed digital impressions.  
• Custom-fitted crowns, bridges, and dentures.  

Shade matching powered by AI uses:  

• Spectrophotometry.  
• Digital photography.  

With the help of special cameras and AI, dentists can now match the color of your natural teeth more precisely than ever. So, your crown doesn’t look “off” or slightly too white—it blends right in. 

Implantology and Surgical Planning Implant placement  

This is another area where AI is making significant strides. Pre-surgical planning is a delicate task that requires careful analysis of bone density, anatomical landmarks, and angulation.  

AI for Implant Site Identification 

• Implant site identification through CBCT scan analysis. 

Virtual Simulations for Better Outcomes 

• Visualization of post-operative outcomes. 
• Enhanced patient communication and consent. 

AI-Assisted Robotic Placement 

• AI-assisted robotic systems guide real-time implant placement. 

Enhancing Long-Term Oral Health 

This increased diagnostic visibility reduces the risk of misdiagnosis, ensuring that no problem is left unaddressed—an essential benefit for long-term oral health management. 

What’s Next? Robotic Dentists? Not Quite… But Close  

In the future, AI will not just assist, but it can also play a leading role in some of the procedures.  

Experimental robotic systems, currently being tested (2024–2025), are showing promise in automating routine dental procedures such as  

• Carry out preparations for teeth.  
• Perform cavity restorations by employing tactile sensors and real time information.  

Advantages are:  

• Decreased chair time.  
• Less procedural complications.  
• Quality of treatment is standardized.  

It can be expected that, as AI ecosystems develop further, they will be able to take on increasingly more routine but sensitive tasks – allowing the clinicians to concentrate on high-level decision-making and patient interaction. 

Branching Out into Regenerative Dentistry  

One hot and new frontier is AI in regenerative dentistry. Scientists are also looking at applying machine learning to determine the viability of dental pulp stem cells. Although it is still in its initial stages, this has the potential of transforming regeneration of tissues and biomimetic restorations in the future years.   

In the near future, AI could direct not only the choice of materials but the way biological structures could be coaxed into healing or regrowing – providing an entire new level of restorative treatment. 

The Importance of AI in Dentistry  

It’s not that the incorporation of AI into the sphere of dentistry is confined to the concept of conveniences but rather that it will allow raising the bar in each and every aspect such as :  

• Improved accuracy of diagnosis.  
• Data driven treatment planning  
• Accelerated, more effective clinical processes. 
• Improved aesthetic and functional results.  
• Reduced procedural errors and enhanced patient safety. 

Final thoughts  

It is not about the flashiness of AI in restorative dentistry but rather its modest capability to improve all areas of care. Whether making the smallest cavity preparation or a full-arch restoration, it assists the clinicians throughout. And with more of these tools coming in the future and being easier to use, the difference between what can be done and what is the norm will only keep shrinking.