Dental Digital Efficiency Meets AI-Powered Visibility with Intraoral Sensors

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly transforming the way dental practices diagnose and plan treatments for a range of dental conditions. The adoption of AI technology on the part of practices is driven in part by greater patient awareness and acceptance.

According to “Technology and the Future of Healthcare,”¹ a poll of over 1,000 people, 64% of patients said they would trust a diagnosis made by AI, while 60% of respondents said they’d be comfortable using AI to analyze medical images. A large percentage of dental patients agree that AI is useful specifically in dentistry, according to a recent study² published by the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Dental patients aren’t the only ones to recognize the advantages of AI; so do a growing number of the clinicians caring for them. A recent survey of dentists practicing in the U.S. indicates that 35% of respondents have implemented AI in their practice. Of those, 77% said they’ve seen positive outcomes since adopting AI. What’s more, 81% of surveyed dentists have an optimistic outlook about AI applications in dentistry.

AI offers clear advantages for practices and patients alike with the analysis of 2D X-rays. Even as more practices transition to digital workflows, 2D X-rays remain an instrumental tool in diagnosis and treatment planning. While essential for clinicians, 2D X-rays can often be cryptic and confusing for patients. In fact, 65% of recently surveyed dental patients⁴ admit they don’t entirely understand what their dentists are pointing at on their X-rays.

AI has the potential to address this breakdown in communication. AI technologies can help make 2D X-rays more accessible and understandable for patients, while also supporting efficient diagnosis and treatment planning. According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine study, patients were better able to recognize caries lesions in X-ray images with the aid of AI. AI tools can also help clinicians identify hard-to-find issues such as caries and bone loss and present their findings in a way that’s easier for patients to visualize and accept.

So, what AI tools offer the best fit for 2D X-rays? Innovations like the next-generation DEXIS Ti2 Sensor, our latest intraoral sensor, enable clinicians to leverage digital efficiencies while capturing the images they need to diagnose and plan treatment with accuracy and confidence. Designed for exceptional durability, reliability, and patient comfort, the Ti2 Sensor also allows clinicians to take advantage of AI-enabled 2D findings available within DEXIS software.

Images captured by the Ti2 Sensor are viewable on both DEXIS Imaging Suite and DTX Studio™ Clinic software. With a single click, clinicians can use the software’s AI-powered features to instantly identify up to six dental findings on 2D X-rays, including caries, calculus, periapical radiolucency, bone loss, root canal filling deficiencies, and discrepancy at margin of an existing restoration.

“The contrast achieved with the Ti2 Sensor is impressive and has been offering distinct differentiation between varying density of tissue,” explains Dr. Moe Katz of Katz & Pfeffer Dental Studio. “For patients with periodontal disease, we have been able to clearly identify sub-gingival calculus and monitor their bone levels. Caries detection and diagnosis are clear and precise with the contrast available with these images.”

Because the Ti2 Sensor integrates seamlessly with existing imaging software, regardless of whether you’re using DTX Studio™ Clinic or DEXIS Imaging Suite software, your team can begin using AI-enabled 2D dental findings right away — no need to install or learn a new system.

“The integration of the Ti2 Sensor into our practice has been a great opportunity for us to experience the quality, durability, and ease of use that this system provides,” adds Dr. Katz. “The sensor has enhanced our ability to confidently diagnose problems for our patient as well as increase our efficiency at treating these issues.”

For practices interested in exploring the advantage of AI for their practice efficiencies and patient experience, the Ti2 Sensor and AI-enabled 2D findings offer an ideal place to start.