|
 
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| REVIEW ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2019 | Volume
: 5
| Issue : 2 | Page : 37-39 |
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Robotics in dentistry
Pallavi K Das, S Hari, Shalini Nair, Anoop Kumar
Department of Oral Pathology, PSM College of Dental Science and Research, Thrissur, Kerala, India
| Date of Web Publication | 18-Nov-2019 |
Correspondence Address:
Dr. Pallavi K Das
Department of Oral Pathology, PSM College of Dental Science and Research, Akkikavu, Bypass Road, Thrissur - 680 519, Kerala
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/ijohr.ijohr_32_19
Robots are one of the most sophisticated creations of human. In many ways, they are far ahead of their creator. Their unmatchable precision and fatigue-free working ability can be incorporated into our field, which will ease our job. However, their application in dentistry is still a less traveled road. The main aim of this article is to briefly review the applications of robotics in dentistry.
Keywords: Artificial intelligence, dental nanorobots, endo micro-robot, robots, sensor-equipped implant setup, simroid, surgical robots
How to cite this article:
Das PK, Hari S, Nair S, Kumar A. Robotics in dentistry. Indian J Oral Health Res 2019;5:37-9 |
| Introduction | |  |
Humans are considered the finest creatures on the earth. Ability to communicate and share information has always been our strongest trait as a species. With the advancement of technologies, the world has become much smaller. We are able to share information to a vast audience without any delay irrespective of time, space, and distance. In spite of all these technological and scientific advancements, distance limits the growth of many fields including medicine. Skilled professionals are lacking in many places at the needed time. Transfer of skill and experience, especially with artificial intelligence (AI), is becoming a mainstay in technology. Through robots, dentists can work more precisely and stress-free minimizing any risks. Robotics is the branch of technology that deals with the design, construction, operation, and application of robots as well as computer system for their control, sensory feedback, and information processing. The term robotics was introduced by the writer Issac Asimov in his science fiction book, I robot, published in 1950.[1]
| Artificial Intelligence in Diagnosis | | |
Correct diagnosis leads to proper treatment planning and prognosis. Artificial neural networks (ANN) and genetic algorithms (GA) along with the input of some basic logic are the different techniques of AI that are being used in dentistry.[2] ANN can be used in cases of temporomandibular derangements, where the ultimate diagnosis is based on a clinician's view on clinical and imaging data. Hence, trained ANNs can give a precise diagnosis as they see in a broader and deeper perspective. GA and ANN can be used as a reliable tool for locating the site and size of unerupted teeth with unmatchable perfection.[3] Orthodontic evaluation of cephalograms and craniofacial skeletal and dental abnormalities are more perfect by a trained robot. This helps a clinician for better treatment planning.[4] ANN can also be used for precise reading of various head-and-neck imaging modalities.[5]
| Endo Micro Robot | | |
Success in endodontics demands great perfection. Even an experienced hand can make defects such as perforation, canal ledging, apical foramen translocation, and over instrumentation. It is humanly impossible to always perform a perfect endodontic treatment. Thus to overcome this, we now learn on advanced endodontic technology by applying advanced engineering and computer knowledge.[6],[7] Micro endo robots have inbuilt microsensors which can sense accurate canal length and root apex. Vacuum attachments are capable of sucking the remnants from the canals and are a far better irrigant. Thus, micro-robots nullify even the slightest error and offer precise diagnosis and treatment.
| Dental Nanorobots | | |
Nanorobotics is the technology of creating machines or robots at or close to the microscopic scale of 2 nm.[8] They can be useful in precise cavity preparation with perfect removal of caries and the maintenance of healthy tooth structure, proper retention, and resistance features far beyond the skill of a most perfect clinician. They control tooth sensitivity by carrying tiny molecules into the dentinal tubules and perfectly sealing them.[9]
| Surgical Robots | | |
This technology includes robots for local surgery and telesurgery and audiovisual telecommunication for telemedicine and teleconsultation. Robotic systems with integrated imaging for computer-enhanced surgery and virtual reality simulators enhanced with haptic feedback for surgical training.[10] A surgical robot system for maxillofacial surgery has been developed. Here, the surgeon communicates with the robots, and the robot performs the preprogrammed job.[11]
| Sensor-Equipped Implant Setup | | |
Dental implants are being used by a large number of patients compared to the past. The present implant system demands good hand skill and control over the instruments. Furthermore, the implant drill is highly expensive. There are a lot of cases in history with implants being placed improperly, causing damage to the hard and soft tissues of the patient. To overcome this, a new system of computer-assisted surgery for oral implantology applications has been developed. It includes preoperative and intraoperative procedures. The preoperative procedures include three-dimensional (3D) images of the target area which helps the clinician to have the best anatomical knowledge of his site of interest.[12] Intraoperative procedures include 3D orientation of the position of the surgical instrument displayed on a monitor. This helps in proper navigation and decision making with high accuracy.[13] Rosy is a computer-aided intraoperative guidance system for implant surgery.[14]
| Robots for Training Purposes | | |
Budding dentists for their training purposes use “PHANTOM” models. It helps by giving the feel of working with an actual human. However, they highly differ from a normal patient. Clinical training on volunteer patients has many ethical issues, as well. Thus, a more realistic clinical training is achieved using robots as dental patients. These robots simulate a variety of patient gestures and responses giving the trainees a real-time patient experience. Showa Hanako, Geminoid DK, and Simroid are examples of such patient robots.[15],[16],[17]
| Will Artificial Intelligence Replaces Natural Intelligence? | | |
Well, it is beyond arguments that AI is far ahead of natural intelligence in accuracy, less time consumption, and standardization of procedures, completely replacing a clinician is not possible. It is not only about a proper diagnosis but also about correlating all the clinical and psychological factors of the patient. A good understanding between the patient and a clinician aids in speedy recovery. AI can assist a clinician in a number of ways to achieve this.
Robotics is a breakthrough in the field of technology, and its applications in dentistry are immense. With the incorporation of AI to our day-to-day clinical practice, there are exceptional improvements in precision of our treatments. Hence, it is very important for all clinicians to have basic knowledge and training with these technologies. However, it needs a lot more research and financial support for the actual implementation of robots in our practice. In no ways, AI can replace humans, but their integration in our field leads to a successful and stress-free practice.
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
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