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Can AI assistants improve time efficiency in digital dataset preparation in virtual implant planning? A comparative
Lucia Schiavon1, Svenja M Benkeser2, Eugenia Settecase3
1Clinic of Reconstructive Dentistry, Center for Dental Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurosciences, Dentistry Section, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
Objectives:
virtual implant planning software improves prosthetic-oriented workflows but involves time-consuming, user-dependent steps. Artificial intelligence (AI) assistants could automate these processes, but their impact on efficiency and reliability remains unclear. This study compares the time efficiency of digital dataset preparation for virtual implant planning performed by human dentists versus an AI assistant.
Methods:
fifteen human dentists planned implant treatment in 20 cases (10 maxilla, 10 mandible) using a virtual implant planning software (coDiagnostiX, Straumann). Five repetitions of each case were also prepared by an AI assistant. Screen recordings of the planning process were analysed to measure time spent on CBCT segmentation, patient orientation, panoramic curve definition, IAN identification, and DICOM/STL superimposition. A t-test was used to compare time spent on each step (p<0.05).
Results:
a total of 400 implant treatment plans were completed (300 by human dentists, 100 by AI). For digital dateset preparation, Human dentists needed 3.84±2.08 minutes on average, while the AI assistant required significantly less time with 1.88±0.64 minutes (p<0.01). For the AI assistant, 71 % of cases required no manual adjustments. Manual adjustments were needed for panoramic curve definition (5 %), nerve identification (2 %), or a combination of these two passages and/or DICOM and STL superimposition (22 %).
Conclusions:
AI significantly improved digital dataset preparation time-efficiency. Furthermore, automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks AI has the potential to free up time that clinicians can then dedicate to human interactions and patient care.
Clinical Significance:
This study demonstrates the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing virtual implant dentistry. Using AI assistants for digital dataset preparation for implant planning can reduce the time required for planning preparation, improve reproducibility, and ease the use of computer assisted implant surgery.
