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Integrating generative artificial intelligence in clinical dentistry : enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and procedural precision through advanced knowledge representation and reasoning

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Integrating generative artificial intelligence in clinical dentistry : enhancing diagnosis, treatment planning, and procedural precision through advanced knowledge representation and reasoning Authors: Dawa, Hossam; Cortes, Arthur R. G.; Ribeiro, Carlos; Neves, José; Vicente, Henrique Abstract: Generative artificial intelligence (GAI) is poised to transform clinical dentistry by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing treatment planning, and improving procedural precision. This study integrates logic programming and entropy within knowledge representation and reasoning to generate hypotheses, quantify uncertainty, and support clinical decisions. A six-month longitudinal questionnaire was administered to 127 dentists, of whom 119 provided valid responses across four dimensions: current use and knowledge (CUKD), potential applications (PAD), future perspectives (FPD), and challenges and barriers (CBD). Responses, analyzed with both classical statistics and entropy-based measures, revealed significant differences among dimensions (𝘱 < 0.01, η2 = 0.14). CUKD, PAD, and FPD all increased steadily over time (baseline means 2.32, 3.06, and 3.27; rising to 3.75, 4.51, and 4.71, respectively), while CBD remained more variable (1.87–3.87). The overall entropic state declined from 0.43 to 0.31 (p = 0.018), reflecting reduced uncertainty. Statistical and entropy-derived trends converged, suggesting growing professional clarity and cautious acceptance of GAI. These findings indicate that, despite persistent concerns, GAI holds promise for advancing adaptive and evidence-driven dental practice.

The impact of digital imaging tools and artificial intelligence on self-reported outcomes of dentists

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The impact of digital imaging tools and artificial intelligence on self-reported outcomes of dentists Authors: Dawa, Hossam; No-Cortes, Juliana; Peñarrocha-Diago, Miguel; Vicente, Henrique; Ribeiro, Carlos; Cortes, Arthur R. G. Abstract: Background: The integration of digital imaging tools in dentistry has transformed clinical workflows, diagnostic accuracy, and patient outcomes. However, less attention has been given to how these tools influence dentists’ self-reported outcomes, including clinical confidence, efficiency, perceived treatment quality, communication, and professional satisfaction. This article aimed at assessing AI-powered digital tools in dentistry and their self-reported impact on dental practitioners’ activity and treatment outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive survey was distributed to 126 dental professionals of different genders, ages, years of experience, and types of dental practice to assess their experiences and attitudes towards AI applications in diagnostics and treatment planning, as well as how patients and dentists perceive the benefits and challenges associated with digital dentistry. Results: Digital photographs and CBCT were regarded as essential tools to have in clinical practice, in contrast with intraoral scanners. However, barriers like high initial costs, specialty differences, and lack of formal training may influence the results. Conclusion: These findings suggest that when used appropriately, AI digital tools can significantly elevate the quality of clinical practice and professional fulfillment and underscore the importance of tailored training programs and supportive infrastructures to facilitate the effective integration of digital technologies in dental practice.

Digital workflow for rehabilitation of severely discolored teeth due to red staining from endodontic material

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Digital workflow for rehabilitation of severely discolored teeth due to red staining from endodontic material Authors: Muscat, Joseph Christie; Wilkin, Ewa; Rizzo, Daphne; Cortes, Arthur R. G. Abstract: The aim of this short communication is to present a technique to rehabilitate severely discolored teeth with CAD/CAM zirconia crowns. After confirming the absence of periapical lesions and sufficient crown structure, any caries or fractured restorations can be removed and replaced with an interim composite restoration. A shoulder subgingival preparation is performed and scanned with an intraoral scanner to design a CAD/ CAM zirconia crown using a monolithic zirconia material. This crown is highly polished using a specific polishing kit but not glazed. This technique is suggested to be useful in cases of dark discolored teeth due to staining endodontic materials such as resorcinol-formaldehyde resin.

Prolonged febrile illness following first dose of ChAdOx1

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Prolonged febrile illness following first dose of ChAdOx1 Authors: Caruana Dingli, Michael; Bugeja, Luke Abstract: A woman in her 40s, with a known history of fibromyalgia, presented with high-grade fever and constitutional symptoms occurring 5 days following vaccination with Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (ChAdOx1). Her inflammatory markers and neutrophil count were found to be elevated and as such, she was started on antibiotics. Despite treatment, markers remained elevated and temperature spikes persisted for another 4 weeks before these symptoms subsided, and her blood tests normalised. All investigations taken in the interim were negative, with no source being identified for the fever. As a result, a positron emission tomography scan was performed to attempt to localise the source of these symptoms. This revealed low-to- moderate grade lymph node tracer uptake above and below the diaphragm most pervasive in the right axilla, with uptake in the right arm corresponding with the site of vaccination.