Embracing technological revolution: A panorama of machine learning in dentistry

The overarching aim of this study is to furnish dental experts and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the role of machine learning in dentistry. This entails a nuanced understanding of prevailing technologies, discerning emerging trends, and providing strategic guidance for future research endeavors and practical implementations.

We assessed the literature by looking for papers related to the issue after 2019 in the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. A narrative review of 29 papers satisfying the search criteria was undertaken, with an emphasis on the application of machine learning in dentistry.

A review was conducted, including 29 publications. The advent of emerging technologies holds promise for enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of dental diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Nevertheless, the intricate nature of oral disease diagnosis and outcome prediction mandates acknowledgment of variables such as individual idiosyncrasies, lifestyle, genetics, image quality, and tooth morphology. These factors may impact the precision of machine learning models. Dental professionals should not rely solely on AI-based results but rather use them as references. Integrating these findings with clinical examinations, assessing the patient's overall health, and oral condition is crucial for informed decision-making.

This review explores the clinical applications of machine learning in dentistry, encompassing disciplines like cariology, endodontics, periodontology, oral medicine, oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics and orthodontics. It serves as a valuable resource for dental practitioners and scholars in understanding the computer algorithms employed in each study, facilitating the clinical translation of machine learning research outcomes.