Gum disease (periodontitis) affects more than 47% of Americans — or nearly 65 million people — including former Major League Baseball player Alex Rodriguez, who recently announced he has the condition.
As artificial intelligence continues to expand into dental and medical uses, dentists are relying on the technology to quickly and accurately detect and prevent periodontitis, decay, bone loss and other gum health issues.
Now, VideaHealth, a medical technology company in Boston, has created a dental AI platform that is available to 90% of dental practices in the U.S., the company said.
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His company’s system “identifies 43% more cavities and reduces the error rate of misdiagnosis by 50%, and also reduces false positives by 15%,” he said.
“Our analysis enables more accurate diagnoses and better preventative care.”
AI a ‘great equalizer’ for dentists, patients
In addition to enabling faster, more accurate findings, VideaAI also gives dentists the data and confidence to engage better with their patients, Hillen said.
“With the right dental care, the risk of medical complications from diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses can be significantly decreased,” Hillen said.
VideaHealth, a medical technology company in Boston, has created a dental AI platform that’s now available to 90% of dental practices in the U.S. Its CEO, Florian Hillen, is pictured at far right, while second from right is Michael A. Scialabba, DDS, of 42 North Dental, which is using the platform. (VideaHealth)
AI also helps increase patients’ trust by showing them “the complete picture,” Hillen said.
“Today, a lot of dental relationships are asymmetric,” he said. “Patients don’t know if they need the X-rays or the treatment plan — and sometimes they want a treatment they don’t need.”
“You wouldn’t walk around with an infection in your finger — you’d treat it and deal with the issue immediately,” he said.
“With AI, findings are easier to explain to patients, who trust their dentists more — which means patients are more likely to move forward with necessary treatments rather than delay care,” he said.
VideaAI in action
A dental service organization in Boston called 42 North Dental was one of the earliest adopters of the VideaAI tool.
“We’re big believers in technology and aiding our doctors to provide the best care possible,” the company’s chief clinical officer, Boston-based Michael A. Scialabba, DDS, told Fox News Digital.
The practice has also seen its treatment acceptance rates increase by 20%.
“The common misconception is that dentists overdiagnose, but this is not accurate,” Scialabba said.
The practice has also seen its treatment acceptance rates increase by 20%.
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Implementing AI has helped 42 North Dental prevent mistakes, reduce missed diagnoses and improve oral health by detecting cavities and early bone loss, which is an indication of gum disease, Scialabba said.
“This will help drive better overall health and reduce instances of chronic diseases,” he said. “Increasingly, AI in dentistry can help detect and prevent issues ranging from diabetes to cardiovascular disease and early-onset dementia.”
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He added, “This approach puts more control into the hands of patients, so they can make the smartest and most meaningful decision for their oral care.”
More than a year after implementing VideaAI, 42 North Dental is now in the process of rolling out the tech to all of its locations.
“At the end of the day, it’s a combination of AI and using human experience — a tool for the dentists to use,” he added.
“The clinical experience and insights dental professionals bring to the table cannot be underestimated, but the AI offers objective, consistent observations to consider when making their decisions and recommendations,” he added.