World’s first robotic dental procedure
Perceptive, an artificial intelligence (AI) company, has announced the completion of the world’s first fully automated dental procedure on a human.
The company’s system integrates AI-driven 3D imaging software with a robotic arm designed to perform dental procedures and can complete tasks, such as crown placements, in just 15 minutes.
“We’re excited to successfully complete the world’s first fully automated robotic dental procedure,” said Dr Chris Ciriello, Perceptive’s founder and chief executive. “This medical breakthrough enhances the precision and efficiency of dental procedures, and democratises access to better dental
care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes.”
This medical breakthrough enhances the precision and efficiency of dental procedures
Dr Chris Ciriello
The system uses 3D volumetric data for diagnostics and treatment planning, enabling early and accurate diagnoses. The procedure begins with an optical coherence technology (OCT) scan of the patient’s tooth and mouth using Perceptive’s handheld intraoral scanner. The scanner captures 3D images beneath the gum line, through fluids and under the tooth surface allowing patients to see and understand their condition.
It then uses Perceptive’s AI algorithms to analyse the 3D data and plan the procedure with efficiency and precision. It means, says the company, that dentists will be able to to diagnose and treat more patients with higher quality care in less time, reducing the need for manual labour and minimizing the chances of human error.
German Galluicci, chairman of restorative dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, said: “Perceptive’s technology achieves more than a 90 per cent accuracy rate for detecting caries without the ionizing radiation associated with traditional X-rays and CBCT scanners — a significant improvement over the approximately 40 per cent accuracy of 2D X-rays. This ensures safer and more precise diagnoses, enhancing patient care and safety.”
Karim Zaklama, a dentist and member of Perceptive’s clinical advisory board, added: “The advanced imaging capabilities, particularly the intraoral scanner, provide unparalleled details which will enable us to diagnose issues earlier with greater accuracy and allow us to connect with patients more effectively. This efficiency allows us to focus more on personalised patient care and reduces chair time, enabling us to treat more patients effectively.”
Perceptive has raised $30 million in funding to date, with leading investors including PDS Health, Dr. Ed Zuckerberg, Innospark Ventures, KdT Ventures, Primavera Capital, Plaisance Capital, Y Combinator, and others.