A robotics company has claimed to have used an artificial intelligence-integrated robot to perform dental procedures on humans. The process of carrying out the procedure by the robot is completely automated.
Perceptive, a Boston-based technology company, has recently announced a breakthrough in dentistry as their robot successfully performed a dental procedure on a real patient. This marks the first time in the world that a robot has successfully completed this procedure, ushering in a new era in dental treatment.
Perceptive’s robot carried out a crown replacement procedure in just 15 minutes, whereas this procedure typically takes up to two hours for dentists to perform.
A dental crown, also known as a dental cap, is a “hat” placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and to improve aesthetics. When securely bonded in place, a dental crown can completely cover the portion of the tooth above the gum line.
Perceptive’s dental robot can perform procedures faster and more accurately than human dentists (Photo: Perceptive).
“We are thrilled to have successfully performed the world’s first fully automated robotic dental procedure,” said Chris Ciriello, CEO of Perceptive. “This is a medical breakthrough that enhances the accuracy and efficiency of dental procedures, ultimately improving the patient experience.”
Perceptive’s robotic dental system is equipped with a 3D imaging device, utilizing optical coherence tomography to create detailed 3D images of the patient’s teeth and gums, allowing patients to clearly visualize their dental condition.
Based on the 3D images, the AI system on the robot will provide analysis and appropriate solutions to carry out the procedure on the patient.
“The robotic system has been designed and rigorously tested to ensure that dental procedures are performed safely, even when patients are frequently moving,” a representative from Perceptive stated. “We have a team of highly qualified dental consultants contributing to the robot’s development.”
Currently, Perceptive’s robot is still in development, and to bring the robot into practical medical use, Perceptive will need to obtain approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Representatives from Perceptive indicated that it may take about 3 to 5 years to secure this approval.
The imaging and procedure process of the dental robot (Video: Perceptive).
So far, Perceptive has raised $30 million from investors to develop its dental robotic system. Among the investors in Perceptive is Edward Zuckerberg, the father of Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Edward Zuckerberg is a veteran dentist with his own dental practice in New York. He is one of the pioneers in using modern technology in dental treatment. Therefore, Edward Zuckerberg’s investment in Perceptive indicates that he recognizes the potential of the dental robots developed by this company.
The application of robotics in medical surgery has made significant strides in recent years, and many companies are hopeful to integrate artificial intelligence into robotic systems so they can perform surgeries autonomously without human intervention.
However, when robots will be able to perform surgeries on patients independently remains an unanswered question, as this issue raises many ethical concerns and legal barriers.
Most importantly, will patients be willing to let robots perform surgeries on them, or do they still place more trust in highly skilled doctors?
