Artificial Intelligence Tools in Dentistry: A Systematic Review on Their Application and Outcomes

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) Vol. 17; no. 5; p. e85062
• Main Authors: Tyagi, Manjulika, Jain, Shailesh, Ranjan, Maitreyi, Hassan, Sahba, Prakash, Nikhil, Kumar, Dinesh, Kumar, Ayush, Singh, Spriha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Springer Nature B.V 29.05.2025; Cureus
• Subjects: Accuracy; Algorithms; Artificial intelligence; Bias; CAD; Cognitive ability; Computer aided design; Deep learning; Dentistry; Grey literature; Healthcare Technology; Language; Machine learning; Medical Education; Medical Subject Headings-MeSH; Natural language processing; Neural networks; Pattern recognition; Radiography; Radiology; Systematic review; Three dimensional imaging; Tomography; artificial neural networks; deep learning; artificial intelligence in dentistry; convolutional neural networks; machine learning
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85062

Artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry is rapidly getting recognized, altering the way that dentists treat patients and carry out clinical tasks. This systematic review investigates the integration of AI technologies into dental practice, with a particular focus on their impact on diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and operational efficiency. AI algorithms, especially those utilizing deep learning, have demonstrated exceptional proficiency in analyzing dental images, facilitating early and accurate detection of conditions such as caries, periodontal disease, and oral malignancies. Relevant literature was identified through an extensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, covering publications from 2019 to 2024. A total of 39 full-text articles were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and their quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2) tool. From an initial pool of 342 articles, the 39 included studies revealed that AI-driven tools streamline administrative tasks, automate routine processes, and enhance overall practice efficiency, thereby reducing operational time. AI has exhibited significant potential in a wide range of dental fields, including radiology, periodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, oncology, diagnostic dentistry, and patient management. The findings highlight the promising role of AI in improving clinical outcomes and patient care while emphasizing the importance of balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations and human expertise. This review underscores the transformative potential of AI in modern dental practice and stresses the need for continued research and development in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.