First Automated Dental Procedure Completed by AI-Powered Robot

A Boston-based startup has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by conducting the first-ever fully automated dental procedure on a human using its innovative robotic dentistry technology. Perceptive, the company behind this achievement, has developed an FDA-approved dental robot that is powered by AI-driven 3D imaging software. This cutting-edge technology guides a robotic arm to perform various dental procedures, including restorative dentistry works like replacing crowns in just 15 minutes—a task that normally requires two office visits.

Furthermore, the system excels in identifying potential issues with a patient’s teeth and gums with exceptional accuracy. This breakthrough in medical technology not only enhances the precision and efficiency of dental procedures but also democratizes access to superior dental care, leading to improved patient experiences and clinical outcomes. Chris Ciriello, the founder and CEO of Perceptive, expresses his excitement over the successful completion of the world's first fully automated robotic dental procedure, highlighting the significant impact on dental care quality.

Perceptive's advanced robotic system utilizes 3D volumetric data for diagnostics and treatment planning. By conducting an optical coherence technology (OCT) scan with a handheld intraoral scanner, the system captures detailed 3D images below the gum line, providing comprehensive insights into the patient's oral health. These images are shared with patients for a better understanding of the necessary treatment areas.

The captured data is then analyzed by AI algorithms to plan treatments, enabling fully automated dental procedures using a specially designed robotic arm equipped with dentistry tools. Perceptive emphasizes that their AI-powered robotic system empowers dentists to diagnose and treat more patients with superior quality care in a shorter timeframe, while reducing the likelihood of human error and the need for manual labor.

German Gallucci, chair of restorative dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, commends Perceptive's technology for achieving over a 90% accuracy rate in caries detection without the use of ionizing radiation, unlike traditional X-rays and CBCT scanners. This significant improvement in accuracy ensures safer and more precise diagnoses, ultimately enhancing patient care and safety.

Perceptive has secured $30 million in funding from prominent investors such as Y Combinator, PDS Health, and Ed Zuckerberg, a renowned dentist and father of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The commitment to safety is a core value for Perceptive, as demonstrated by the rigorous testing and design of the robotics system to ensure safe treatment even in scenarios where patient movement is prevalent.

This remarkable advancement in dental technology, pioneered by Perceptive, showcases the transformative potential of AI-driven robotics in revolutionizing the field of dentistry.