Robot Dentist Performs First Fully Automated Human Procedure

A historic milestone for the dental profession, an AI-controlled autonomous robot performed an entire procedure on a human patient for the first time, completing it about eight times faster than a human dentist could. It might sound like nightmare fuel, but it’s a remarkable achievement.

Developed by Boston-based Perceptive, the system utilizes a handheld 3D volumetric scanner that creates a detailed 3D model of the mouth. This model includes the teeth, gums, and even nerves beneath the tooth surface, using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Here’s an example:

Eliminates Harmful X-Ray Radiation with High-Resolution Light Beam Imaging

This process eliminates harmful X-Ray radiation, as OCT uses only light beams to create its high-resolution volumetric models, with cavities automatically detected at around 90% accuracy.

At this stage, the (human) dentist and patient can discuss the necessary procedures. Once decisions are made, the robotic dental surgeon takes over, plans the operation, and executes it.

The machine’s first specialty is preparing a tooth for a dental crown. Perceptive claims this is typically a two-hour procedure that dentists usually split into two visits. The robo-dentist completes it in about 15 minutes. Here’s a time-lapse video of the drilling portion, resembling a CNC machine at work:

Machine Operates Safely in Movement-Heavy Conditions, Successful Tests Conducted on Moving Humans

Remarkably, the company asserts that the machine can operate safely “even in the most movement-heavy conditions,” and that dry run tests on moving humans have all been successful. There certainly are some brave test subjects out there.

“We’re excited to successfully complete the world’s first fully automated robotic dental procedure,” says Dr. Chris Ciriello, CEO and Founder of Perceptive. “This medical breakthrough enhances the precision and efficiency of dental procedures and democratizes access to better dental care, improving patient experience and clinical outcomes. We look forward to advancing our system and pioneering scalable, fully automated dental healthcare solutions for patients.”

“Perceptive’s AI-driven robotic system will transform dentistry,” adds Karim Zaklama, DDS, a general dentist and member of Perceptive’s clinical advisory board. “The patient experience will improve by streamlining procedures and enhancing comfort. The advanced imaging capabilities, particularly the intraoral scanner, provide unparalleled detail, enabling us to diagnose issues earlier with greater accuracy and connect more effectively with patients. This efficiency allows us to focus more on personalized patient care and reduces chair time, enabling us to treat more patients effectively.”

While the thought of a robot drilling your teeth might be unsettling, it raises the question of whether it’s any more daunting than having a human do it.

High-precision, human-controlled robotic surgery is already progressing rapidly, removing the need for an exceptionally steady hand. In the realm of humanoid robots, teleoperating them can eventually train them to perform the same tasks autonomously. So, getting accustomed to this idea may be necessary in the coming years.

There are obvious benefits. Spending just 15 minutes in the robo-dentist’s chair instead of two separate 60-minute sessions is a significant improvement. You also won’t need to keep your mouth open as wide, making the 15 minutes less tiring. Although the system will cost money, its efficiency could lead to lower dental bills due to the time saved.

The robot isn’t FDA-approved yet, and Perceptive hasn’t provided a timeline for its rollout, so it may be several years before the public can access this treatment.

The company aims to expand the machine’s capabilities and increase the range of treatments it can perform. One might wonder if it will eventually need a mechanical knee for more challenging procedures like wisdom tooth removal.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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