Is AI the New Standard for Detecting Dental Caries?

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Added on January 2026

The data is in! A comprehensive systematic review recently analyzed how Deep Learning (DL) models are reshaping diagnostic accuracy in dentistry. With caries detection being one of the most challenging daily tasks for clinicians, the shift toward 'Augmented Intelligence' is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s here. ### The Key Takeaways: **Impressive Accuracy:** Across 42 clinical studies, AI models showed accuracy ranges between 68% and 99%. * **Periapical Radiographs:** 82% – 99.2% accuracy. * **Bitewings:** 87.6% – 95.4% accuracy. * **Panoramic Radiographs:** 86.1% – 96.1% accuracy. **Versatility:** The tech isn't limited to X-rays. Models are being trained on intra-oral photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and near-infrared transillumination. **The Reality Check:** While the results are promising, the study notes that reporting quality and risk of bias in research remain high. We need more standardized, high-quality data before these tools can fly solo. ### The Bottom Line: AI isn’t here to replace the dentist; it’s here to be the ultimate 'second pair of eyes.' By acting as a diagnostic assistant, Deep Learning can help practitioners increase reliability, reduce fatigue-related errors, and improve patient trust through visual validation. #Dentistry #DigitalDentistry #HealthTech #AI #DentalInnovation #DeepLearning #OralHealth

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