| dc.description.abstract | While manual probing is the gold standard for periodontal assessments, it can be time consuming. Patients can be wrongfully classified due to an inconsistency between examiners, the amount of time a clinician is given for an appointment, and human error. Artificial intelligence (AI) is implemented in other areas of healthcare, known as precision healthcare. A type of AI, convolutional neural networks (CNN), identifies portions of images with the use of an algorithm to identify the image. Radiographs are a vital part of the periodontal classification system. These images are read with the human eye, there is room for human error. CNN can aid the clinician in reading and identifying images to speed up this process, allotting more time in the appointment for services such as the cleaning and patient education. AI is currently being used in the dental field for the detection of pathology, dental charting, caries, plaque, and periodontitis using 2D and 3D imaging. CNN is showing promising results in dentistry by having the capability of interpreting radiographs using an algorithm to aid in the various classifications. Limitations of AI and CNN in the periodontal field include the need for further testing of this technology with 2D and 3D radiographs, protecting the patient’s confidentiality, and further exploration of the cost to integrate this system into a dental practice. While the use of AI and CNN technology may not replace the gold standard of periodontal assessment, it has the potential to aid clinicians in more effective and individualized patient care. | |
