Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a widespread issue in the United States, affecting more than 47% of Americans, or nearly 65 million people. Even public figures like former Major League Baseball player Alex Rodriguez have announced that they suffer from this condition. As technology continues to advance in the medical and dental field, dentists are increasingly relying on artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and prevent gum disease, decay, bone loss, and other gum health issues accurately and efficiently. One company leading the way in dental AI is VideaHealth, a medical technology company based in Boston. Their dental AI platform is available to 90% of dental practices in the US and has been approved by the FDA.
VideaHealth’s platform analyzes patients’ X-ray images using an algorithm that has been trained on a vast amount of data, encompassing hundreds of millions of data points. In fact, their algorithm is trained on more than 50 times the number of X-rays that the average dentist would see in their entire lifetime. By doing so, the AI is able to provide treatment recommendations for patients, aiding dentists with diagnosis and treatment planning. According to Florian Hillen, the founder and CEO of VideaHealth, their system is able to identify 43% more cavities and reduce the error rate of misdiagnosis by 50%, while also lowering false positives by 15%. This improved accuracy results in more accurate diagnoses and better preventative care.
Not only does VideaAI offer dentists faster and more accurate findings, but it also provides valuable data that can aid in the patient-dentist relationship. By giving dentists the confidence to engage better with their patients, AI helps establish a stronger bond between the two parties. Additionally, AI streamlines the workflow in dental offices, reducing human errors and mistakes. For patients, this AI tool improves their dental health by catching cavities, abscesses, lesions, and oral diseases before they worsen and become more severe. This proactive approach to dental care can significantly decrease the risk of developing medical complications related to diabetes, heart disease, and other illnesses.
Furthermore, AI allows dentists to have more accuracy in diagnosing patients and helps lower the error rate. According to Hillen, many dental relationships are currently asymmetric, with patients not fully understanding if they require X-rays or certain treatment plans. This lack of understanding often leads to patients declining necessary treatment. With AI, dentists can provide patients with a clear and unbiased analysis, which fosters trust and encourages patients to proceed with essential treatments.
42 North Dental, a dental service organization based in Boston, was one of the early adopters of VideaAI. By incorporating this AI tool into their practice, 42 North Dental discovered nearly 20% more cavities when re-evaluating X-ray images. With VideaAI, the practice has also experienced a 20% increase in treatment acceptance rates. This counters the misconception that dentists tend to overdiagnose, when, in fact, the issue is usually underdiagnosis. AI helps dentists identify potential issues before they become visible, allowing them to recommend appropriate treatments and prevent more significant problems in the future.
The implementation of AI at 42 North Dental has not only helped prevent mistakes and missed diagnoses but has also improved oral health by detecting cavities and early bone loss, which is indicative of gum disease. As a result, overall health is enhanced, and the incidence of chronic diseases can be reduced. Patients also benefit from having a clearer understanding of their dental health, as AI provides an unbiased and data-driven analysis. By removing emotions and biases from the equation, AI allows for straightforward discussions about treatment plans based solely on facts. This empowers patients to make informed decisions.
The success of VideaAI prompted 42 North Dental to roll out this technology to all of its locations. However, it is important to note that despite the advantages of dental AI, it is not intended to replace trained professionals. Dental AI should be viewed as a tool that complements the expertise and experience of dentists and hygienists. By combining AI with human experience, dental professionals are equipped to deliver the best care possible. The insights and clinical experience that professionals bring to the table cannot be underestimated, but AI offers objective and consistent observations that dentists can consider when making decisions and recommendations for their patients.
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