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ChatGPT: Is It Good or Bad for Dentistry?
19Jun
ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence software is slowly becoming a major part of our lives. Therefore, ChatGPT’s impact on various industries is being scrutinized. This includes the field of dentistry. Now, a research team has looked into the impact of ChatGPT on dentistry, finding that there are both positive and negatives to its use in the industry.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is gradually becoming a bigger part of day-to-day life. In fact, more and more industries are starting to leverage AI to achieve faster and more effective processes and results.

The best-known AI model is ChatGPT – which within two months of its launch was being used by over 100million users [1]! Therefore, this made ChatGPT the fastest-growing application in history.

ChatGPT has the potential to help many industries. However, it has been questioned whether or not this extends to dentistry. Now, new research has looked into the impact of ChatGPT on dentistry [2].

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a chatbot that is owned by OpenAI – who themselves are backed by Microsoft. The chatbot is used around the world. ChatGPT is capable of generating essays, jokes, articles or general knowledge – when prompted. The user will write a prompt into a search box, before the chatbot returns an answer.

The popularity of ChatGPT is staggering. To put it into context, as mentioned, ChatGPT attracted over 100million users within two months – something that took TikTok nine months and Instagram over 2 years to achieve [1].

However, there has been some controversy over ChatGPT. There are concerns over how it could be misused to facilitate misinformation and plagiarism from students in education [1]. These concerns extend to dentistry.

The Research

A team of researchers looked to see how ChatGPT and dentistry combined. Their findings were published in the Cureus Journal of Medical Science [2].

The researchers aimed to see if ChatGPT could be used as “an outstanding instance of large language models in the fields of public dental health schooling, writing for academic use, research in public dental health, and clinical practice in public dental health based on the available data” [2].

To do this, they used 21 past research papers that had been published between March 2018 and March 2023 [2]. These research papers were vetted to ensure they included data on the link between AI and dentistry [2]. Therefore, this would provide the researchers with a strong understanding of the link between these two areas.

The researchers were looking to see if there were consistent patterns across these research papers. These consistencies would help them to draw conclusions on this topic.

Key findings

The researchers reached a conclusion that praised ChatGPT, but also warned of some potential issues. Yet predominantly, the researchers suggested the findings were positive.

The main finding was that while ChatGPT offers many advantages to public health in dentistry, it shouldn’t replace traditional dentistry, nor should it be entirely relied on. This is especially applicable when it comes to decision making.

The researchers were interested to see if ChatGPT could evaluate medical understanding and logic at the level needed to provide understanding to members of the public [2]. Indeed, the researchers found that ChatGPT was able to provide simple explanations, which can benefit the knowledge of patients.

The research also focused on the implications of ChatGPT on academia. For example, the researchers cautioned that students need to be aware that ChatGPT is not entirely accurate and may provide factual errors [2].

The researchers suggested that programme directors at Universities will need to be aware of ChatGPT and how it can assist in the creation of student essays and assignments [1]. Therefore, being extra vigilant towards plagiarism is crucial.

The researchers found that ChatGPT only has limited effectiveness when it comes to providing the creation of academic writing. There were some positives – such as it being a time-effective approach to writing and offering a good structure to arguments [2]. However, they found that ChatGPT offered a lack of citations and real-world examples – two key elements of academia [2].

When creating their own research papers, the researchers did find that ChatGPT was capable of providing benefits like interpreting data quickly, offering cohesive arguments and rephrasing complex scientific data [2]. With this in mind, the researchers did suggest that ChatGPT has the “potential to be revolutionary” in the future [2].

The importance of dentists

The results of the study affirm the importance of visiting a dental clinic and receiving the professional opinion of a dentist. Otherwise, incorrect decisions could be made. Moreover, ChatGPT does not provide the individualized patient care that a dentist can provide.

Many are worried that patients will seek assistance through ChatGPT rather than through the proper channels. But opinions by AI do not constitute professional medical advice.

The researchers have stated that they hope the public continues to attend dental clinics so that they receive the most successful treatment outcomes [1]. AI cannot replace professional decision-making.

So while ChatGPT can be useful in some scenarios, it cannot replace dentists. After all, physical treatments can only be done by dentists, who are professionally trained to carry out procedures. Visiting a dental clinic will continue to be a crucial part of maintaining and strengthening oral health.

Thinking points…

1) As mentioned above, ChatGPT has some positives, but it cannot replace a dentist’s professional judgment. Therefore, remember to attend regular dental appointments, as this provides a dentist with a chance to analyze your oral health and look for any potential problems. This is not something that ChatGPT is capable of doing! We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Some people are turning to ChatGPT for queries on basic health problems. While this can definitely be positive, it can sometimes underestimate problems you are facing. For example, if you are having oral health problems like toothache or gum problems, ChatGPT may downplay its potential consequences. Therefore, remember to speak to your dentist regularly, as they will provide accurate information and guidance.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Hu, K. (2023). ChatGPT sets record for fastest-growing user base – analyst note. Available: https://www.reuters.com/technology/chatgpt-sets-record-fastest-growing-user-base-analyst-note-2023-02-01/. Last accessed: 16th June 2023.

[2] Tiwari, A., Kumar, A., Jain, S., Dhull, K. S., Sajjanar, A., Puthenkandathil, R., Paiwal, K., & Singh, R. (2023). Implications of ChatGPT in Public Health Dentistry: A Systematic Review. Cureus Journal of Medical Science. 15 (6): e40367. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.40367.

How Can Sensory Adaptations Help Autistic Children at the Dentist?
12Jun
Autistic children can often find trips to the dentist very challenging due to the risk of sensory overload. However, recent research has found that when certain sensory adaptations are made by dental clinics, that autistic children can have a much more pleasant experience at the dentist. This can have a positive effect on the oral health of those with the condition.

Autism is a very challenging condition for both children and adults. Everyday tasks can be very challenging for children that have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Among these tasks are trips to the dentist. Autistic children often struggle to attend dental check-ups, mainly due to the potential for sensory overload.

However, new research has found that when certain adaptations are made, autistic children can find visiting the dentist a positive experience, aiding their oral health [1].

What is Autism?

Autism is considered to be a developmental disability which affects approximately 1 in 59 children in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Education [2].

The NHS suggest that autistic people “may act in a different way to other people” [3]. Symptoms include communication problems, difficulty in coping with unfamiliar situations and repetitive actions [3].

One of the defining features of autism is how those with the condition often find things like bright lights or loud noises overwhelming and uncomfortable [3].

These symptoms make it difficult for autistic children to go to the dentist. A dental clinic can be an unfamiliar location that also involves social situations. But above all, it can cause several sensory problems. For example, the dentist’s light, the sound of the dental drill and the possibility of loud noises can all cause concern.

As there are so many issues, it is unsurprising that autistic people typically have poorer oral health compared to the general public [4]. Therefore, trying to make a dental clinic a more comfortable place for autistic children is important.

Research

Recent research has looked into ways that autism can be managed better in a dental clinic. The research was carried out by a team from the University of Southern California, with their findings being published in the JAMA Network Open [1].

The research involved 162 children aged between 6 and 12 with a diagnosis of autism. They were split into two groups, both of which received dental cleaning. One group of 83 received care in a standard clinic environment, with the other 80 receiving care in an adapted environment [1].

The researchers spent time in planning which adaptations could be made. The adapted environment involved:

• Blackout curtains being hung over the windows

• The dentist wearing a surgical loupe with an attached lamp to avoid getting light in the eyes of the child

• A slow-motion visual effect being projected onto the ceiling – with the child being given the option between a “Finding Nemo” underwater scene or abstract colors

• A portable speaker that played calming nature sounds and quiet piano music

• A traditional lead X-ray bib being placed on the child’s chest

• The child being securely wrapped to the dental chair in a method that involved a hugging sensation from shoulder to ankle [1]

The researchers wanted to see if these adaptations would improve the dental clinic experience for the children. During the check-up, electrodes were placed on each child’s fingers, which measured electrodermal activity – which researchers could use to see how the children were reacting throughout the appointment [1].

Moreover, the researchers were also looking out for jerking or other movements, jaw-clamping, screaming, crying or biting the equipment or dentist – all signs that a child is in distress.

Interestingly, the researchers found that there were many similarities between the groups. For example, the quality of care and time needed to get the child seated were the same in both groups [1].

However, when it came to patient comfort, the adapted setting was much more effective. The two groups had very different results – with the adapted environment group having less discomfort, distress, movements, screaming and jaw-clamping [1]. They found the adapted environment to be calming. For those in the standard environment, there were many problems.

The results clearly showed that making adaptations for autistic children can be very effective. The children in the study were more at ease due to adaptations, which can provide a calmer experience.

Author comments

This study suggests that by offering an adapted environment approach to autistic children, that they will find visits to the dentist more beneficial. Treatments and regular check-ups can be more effective and useful.

The authors recommended that dental clinics adopt adapted environments for autistic children. Lead author Leah Stein Duker commented on the findings, saying that “the combination of curated visual, auditory and tactile adaptations—all of which are easily implemented, relatively inexpensive and don’t require training to safely use—led to statistically significant decreases in autistic children’s behavioral and physiological distress during dental cleanings” [5].

The researchers suggested that such changes can be low-cost, stating that implementation can be completed through “a one-time cost of less than $6000” [5]. In fact, the researchers pointed out that beanie hats, sunglasses and X-ray bibs are often free – making them simple additions to a dental clinic [5].

Overall, these changes can make a positive difference. Children with autism will often struggle with their oral health. However, by making these adaptations, it can improve their oral health substantially and result in long-term benefits.

Thinking points…

[1] If you have an autistic child, the chances are that you will know about the challenges involved in visiting the dentist. However, here at [clinic name], we offer support for all of our patients! Please do not be discouraged to book with us, as check-ups are important for the oral health of your children! You can read more about us at our website https://savanndentalclinic.ca!

[2] While it is important for you to look out for the oral health of your children, remember that your oral health is equally as important! Therefore, remember to attend check-ups at the dentist on a regular basis. Dental check-ups can help to identify any issues that need attention. We recommend booking an appointment now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

It is very important to have excellent oral hygiene. This involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly and eating healthily. Therefore, this should help your oral health.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.

We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Duker, L. I. S., Como, D. H., Jolette, C., Vigen, C., Gong, C. L., Williams, M. E., Polido, J. C., Florindez-Cox, L. I., & Cermak, S. A. (2023). Sensory Adaptations to Improve Physiological and Behavioral Distress During Dental Visits in Autistic Children. JAMA Network Open. 6 (6): e2316346. DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.16346.

[2] Carmichael, R. (2021). Autism On the Rise: Coping in the Dental Office. Available: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/autism-on-the-rise-coping-in-the-dental-office/. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.

[3] NHS. (2022). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.

[4] Nunes da Silva, S., Gimenez, T., Souza, R. C., Mello-Moura, A. C. V., Raggio, D. P., Morimoto, S., Lara, J. S., Soares, G. C., & Tedesco, T. K. (2016). Oral health status of children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis. 27 (5): p388-398. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12274.

[5] McNulty, M. (2023). Sensory adapted dental rooms significantly reduce autistic children’s physiological stress during teeth cleanings. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-06-sensory-dental-rooms-significantly-autistic.html. Last accessed: 10th June 2023.

Treating Mandibular Prognathism: Which Surgery Technique Is the Most Effective?
29May
Recent research has looked into the connection between nerve density and Oral Cancer. Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects many people. However, nerve density is a topic that is rarely discussed. The researchers hoped to examine the relationship between these two areas and draw conclusions.

When we hear the word “nerve” in a medical context, most people will not think about the nerves in their mouth. However, unbeknownst to many, there are many nerves in the area, including in the jaw and in the roots of the teeth.

In fact, some of the toughest oral pain to deal with happens when a nerve becomes exposed in the mouth. Therefore, research into this topic can be helpful, especially when a potential connection to Oral Cancer is examined.

Recent research has attempted to look into the relationship between nerve density and oral cancer – which is a topic that is highly relevant to the field of dentistry [1].

The Oral Cavity

The “oral cavity” refers to the mouth. There are multiple regions in the oral cavity. Each region has a different function – such as lips, gums and the tongue. Furthermore, we can’t forget the most important region in terms of oral health – the teeth!

There are many nerves in the oral cavity. Each tooth will have nerves. Other locations of nerves include on the inside of the cheek. Moreover, the nerves in the cheek are fewer in number than those on the tongue.

Due to the differences in quantity of the nerves in each area, the team looked to create a standardized metric for nerve density. This could be used consistently across multiple patients.

Oral cavity cancers are notoriously difficult to treat – with reoccurrence common [2]. Research shows that approximately two thirds of oral cancer cases are linked to tobacco and alcohol intake – though anyone can be affected [2].

The Research

The research team came from the University of Michigan’s Rogel Cancer Center and the School of Dentistry. Their work was published in the Clinical Cancer Research journal [1].

The team looked at how the density of a nerve within a tumor was connected with the growth of said tumor. As mentioned above, they looked to create a metric that would take into account multiple areas in the mouth to provide an overall indicative result [1].

This ensured that the findings would be highly relevant, as it would give a standardized metric that could be applied to any patient at any time.

Most of the work from the team was done using human tissue. This involved taking tissue samples from 142 patients with oral cancer. Therefore, the researchers had access to a range of samples.

The researchers were able to distinguish between the nerves and tumor through the use of staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Therefore, this provided the researchers with samples of both.

The team then used the aforementioned standardized metric to calculate the impact that the density of the nerve had on the tumor’s size. The tumor was monitored over time and then measured against the various nerve samples.

This was able to provide the researchers with definitive results. They found that the bigger the nerve density – the worse the outcome of oral cancer would be. Therefore, the researchers found that nerve density was crucial.

Author Comments

This is an important finding. The researchers pointed out that this knowledge could be crucial in treating cancer, as it will provide clinicians with added information on warning signs for potential tumor growth. Therefore, treatment outcomes may improve.

The authors commented on their findings. Senior author Nisha D’Silva said that her team “showed that tumors with high normalized nerve density seem to be associated with poor survival” for those with cancer [3]. Moreover, D’Silva said that the research confirmed that “patients with high normalized nerve density and a smaller distance between the nerve and the tumor have poorer outcomes” [3].

In terms of putting this into practice, the authors pointed out that if it can be worked out which cancers will be the most aggressive from the outset, then the clinicians can provide a more aggressive response from the start [3]. By having this metric, it provides researchers with more data to help them choose an effective treatment.

Looking ahead to the future, the team also discussed using artificial intelligence to measure normalized nerve density. They suggested that this could eventually result in the use of the metric in real-life situations [3].

Overall, nerve density can be a promising prognostic factor that clinicians can look into when dealing with cases of oral cancer. The authors will hope that this research will result in more informed decisions being made in treatments.

Thinking points…

1) There are some rather heavy topics in this article – including oral cancer and discussion of nerves. While these sound serious, it is important to use this article and its topics as a reminder of the importance of strong oral hygiene. Seeing a dentist for frequent check-ups can be hugely helpful! They will be able to spot any worrying signs and provide treatment if needed. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects many people – although out of all of the cancers, it isn’t widely discussed. It is important for people to be aware of the dangers of oral cancer and recent research into the topic. You could educate those around you by sharing this article and discussing it with them. For family members, this may help them to avoid oral health problems. We recommend sharing the article now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Perez-Pacheco, C., Schmitd, L. B., Furgal, A., Beillile, E. L., Liu, M., Fattah, A., Gonzalez-Maldonado, L., Unsworth, S. P., Wong, S. Y., Rozek, L. S., Rao, A., Wolf, G. T., Taylor, J. M. G., Casper, K., Mierzwa, M., & D’Silva, N. J. (2023). Increased Nerve Density Adversely Affects Outcome in Oral Cancer. Clinical Cancer Research. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-22-3496.

[2] Kademani, D. (2007). Oral Cancer. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 82 (7): p878-887. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4065/82.7.878.

[3] Megdell, A. (2023). Researchers identify new metric to articulate relationship between nerve density and oral cancer. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-05-metric-articulate-relationship-nerve-density.html. Last accessed: 18th May 2023.

Is There a Connection Between Nerve Density and Oral Cancer?
22May
Recent research has looked into the connection between nerve density and Oral Cancer. Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects many people. However, nerve density is a topic that is rarely discussed. The researchers hoped to examine the relationship between these two areas and draw conclusions.

When we hear the word “nerve” in a medical context, most people will not think about the nerves in their mouth. However, unbeknownst to many, there are many nerves in the area, including in the jaw and in the roots of the teeth.

In fact, some of the toughest oral pain to deal with happens when a nerve becomes exposed in the mouth. Therefore, research into this topic can be helpful, especially when a potential connection to Oral Cancer is examined.

Recent research has attempted to look into the relationship between nerve density and oral cancer – which is a topic that is highly relevant to the field of dentistry [1].

The Oral Cavity

The “oral cavity” refers to the mouth. There are multiple regions in the oral cavity. Each region has a different function – such as lips, gums and the tongue. Furthermore, we can’t forget the most important region in terms of oral health – the teeth!

There are many nerves in the oral cavity. Each tooth will have nerves. Other locations of nerves include on the inside of the cheek. Moreover, the nerves in the cheek are fewer in number than those on the tongue.

Due to the differences in quantity of the nerves in each area, the team looked to create a standardized metric for nerve density. This could be used consistently across multiple patients.

Oral cavity cancers are notoriously difficult to treat – with reoccurrence common [2]. Research shows that approximately two thirds of oral cancer cases are linked to tobacco and alcohol intake – though anyone can be affected [2].

The Research

The research team came from the University of Michigan’s Rogel Cancer Center and the School of Dentistry. Their work was published in the Clinical Cancer Research journal [1].

The team looked at how the density of a nerve within a tumor was connected with the growth of said tumor. As mentioned above, they looked to create a metric that would take into account multiple areas in the mouth to provide an overall indicative result [1].

This ensured that the findings would be highly relevant, as it would give a standardized metric that could be applied to any patient at any time.

Most of the work from the team was done using human tissue. This involved taking tissue samples from 142 patients with oral cancer. Therefore, the researchers had access to a range of samples.

The researchers were able to distinguish between the nerves and tumor through the use of staining with hematoxylin and eosin. Therefore, this provided the researchers with samples of both.

The team then used the aforementioned standardized metric to calculate the impact that the density of the nerve had on the tumor’s size. The tumor was monitored over time and then measured against the various nerve samples.

This was able to provide the researchers with definitive results. They found that the bigger the nerve density – the worse the outcome of oral cancer would be. Therefore, the researchers found that nerve density was crucial.

Author Comments

This is an important finding. The researchers pointed out that this knowledge could be crucial in treating cancer, as it will provide clinicians with added information on warning signs for potential tumor growth. Therefore, treatment outcomes may improve.

The authors commented on their findings. Senior author Nisha D’Silva said that her team “showed that tumors with high normalized nerve density seem to be associated with poor survival” for those with cancer [3]. Moreover, D’Silva said that the research confirmed that “patients with high normalized nerve density and a smaller distance between the nerve and the tumor have poorer outcomes” [3].

In terms of putting this into practice, the authors pointed out that if it can be worked out which cancers will be the most aggressive from the outset, then the clinicians can provide a more aggressive response from the start [3]. By having this metric, it provides researchers with more data to help them choose an effective treatment.

Looking ahead to the future, the team also discussed using artificial intelligence to measure normalized nerve density. They suggested that this could eventually result in the use of the metric in real-life situations [3].

Overall, nerve density can be a promising prognostic factor that clinicians can look into when dealing with cases of oral cancer. The authors will hope that this research will result in more informed decisions being made in treatments.

Thinking points…

1) There are some rather heavy topics in this article – including oral cancer and discussion of nerves. While these sound serious, it is important to use this article and its topics as a reminder of the importance of strong oral hygiene. Seeing a dentist for frequent check-ups can be hugely helpful! They will be able to spot any worrying signs and provide treatment if needed. We recommend that you book an appointment now!

2) Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects many people – although out of all of the cancers, it isn’t widely discussed. It is important for people to be aware of the dangers of oral cancer and recent research into the topic. You could educate those around you by sharing this article and discussing it with them. For family members, this may help them to avoid oral health problems. We recommend sharing the article now!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Perez-Pacheco, C., Schmitd, L. B., Furgal, A., Beillile, E. L., Liu, M., Fattah, A., Gonzalez-Maldonado, L., Unsworth, S. P., Wong, S. Y., Rozek, L. S., Rao, A., Wolf, G. T., Taylor, J. M. G., Casper, K., Mierzwa, M., & D’Silva, N. J. (2023). Increased Nerve Density Adversely Affects Outcome in Oral Cancer. Clinical Cancer Research. (Pre-publication issue). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-22-3496.

[2] Kademani, D. (2007). Oral Cancer. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 82 (7): p878-887. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4065/82.7.878.

[3] Megdell, A. (2023). Researchers identify new metric to articulate relationship between nerve density and oral cancer. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-05-metric-articulate-relationship-nerve-density.html. Last accessed: 18th May 2023.

Could Artificial Intelligence Help Develop New Dental Crowns?
7May
New research has resulted in the development of a method of manufacturing dental crowns with the help of artificial intelligence. Dental crowns are a widely used treatment to restore teeth that are very decayed or weak. Therefore, having specially designed crowns should improve their effectiveness and ensure stronger oral health for those that require dental crowns.

A research team from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) have developed a method of manufacturing dental crowns through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) [1].

This exciting research is the latest example of how leveraging AI can produce excellent results in dentistry. The findings could result in a long-term improvement of the success of dental crowns.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are often seen as “caps” that are placed over a decayed, damaged or weak tooth to restore its shape and size. Moreover, it can also improve its appearance.

Dental crowns therefore protect the tooth from further damage or decay. If looked after properly they will often last for several years.

An X-ray is required in order for the dentist to take measurements. The dentist will place the crown before bonding it in place.

However, many people find that crowns are not right for them. Many people find that their crowns are either too large or too thin. They also typically do not last as long as desired for some people [2].

Therefore, the situation with dental crowns is one that has needed to be addressed. This is why more research into the subject is welcomed and encouraged.

The Research

The research was carried out by members of the Faculty of Dentistry at HKU. Subsequently, their findings were published in the Dental Materials journal [1].

The researchers were aiming to use AI to create an automatic algorithm that could design a dental crown. To do this, the researches used a three-dimensional deep learning approach [1].

The AI software used is called Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing. This software uses a “tooth library” that had over 600 healthy teeth templates loaded onto it [1]. The operator of the machine could then mould a crown based on the templates.

This approach produced personalized crowns with high accuracy. The researchers found that they could mimic the materials required for the biomechanics of natural teeth.

The researchers tested the crown using something called “biomechanical finite analysis” [1]. This tested the AI-designed crowns in terms of their durability. This is important, as when a patient receives a crown, they will expect it to be highly durable and last for many years.

The researchers were delighted with the outcome. They found that the AI-designed crown was capable of achieving a similar expected lifespan compared to natural teeth [1].

The design would use machine learning to produce the optimum design based on a patient’s tooth and exact dimensions of the surface area. It is capable of getting the required specific dimensions at a microscopic level. This ensures effectiveness.

The impact this could have

Looking at the impact of these findings is important. For example, by having this technology, the design and fitting process of dental crowns could be improved significantly. Therefore, improved treatment outcomes would be likely.

The research was led by Dr. James Tsoi, an Associate Professor at HKU. He and his fellow authors were very pleased with the results. Tsoi commented that the technology “could be utilized to design personalized dental crowns with high accuracy” [3].

Tsoi also praised the fact that this technology would reduce human involvement in the design process, stating that the technology allows the process to “operate without any additional human fine-tuning”, which would reduce the workload of dentists.

The use of AI will improve accuracy in dentistry. Currently, there is an element of guesswork for the dentist that moulds crowns. While they do their utmost to maximize patient comfort, it can be difficult to make the crown fit perfectly.

However, this technology is capable of improving outcomes and comfort for patients. This is summarized by one of the authors Dr. Hao Ding – who said that “the algorithm improves the quality of the design” [3].

Clinical trials based on using AI for dental crowns are already underway [3]. The hope is that these crowns will eventually replace human-crafted crowns. This will greatly improve the quality of treatment and result in better oral health for patients.

Thinking points…

1) The aim should always be prevention for dental problems. For example, the aim is for us to never need to have dental crowns. Aside from a healthy diet, it is also crucial to attend regular dental check-ups! These check-ups allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and suggest treatments if needed. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Dental crowns are very effective at protecting damaged teeth. They also improve appearance and can restore confidence. Here at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer dental crown treatments at competitive prices. If you are interested in hearing more about this treatment please see our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca. We would love to see you soon!

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.

In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] Ding, H., Cui, Z., Maghami, E., Chen, Y., Matinlinna, J. P., Ho Nang Pow, E., Fok, A. S. L., Burrow, M. F., Wang, W., & Tsoi, J. K. H. (2023). Morphology and mechanical performance of dental crown designed by 3D-DCGAN. Dental Materials. 39 (3): p320-332. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dental.2023.02.001.

[2] Pjetursson, B. E., & Heimisdottir, K. (2018). Dental implants – are they better than natural teeth?. European Journal of Oral Sciences. 126 (51): p81-87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/eos.12543.

[3] The University of Hong Kong. (2023). Researchers develop technology to use generative AI in smart manufacturing of dental crowns. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-technology-generative-ai-smart-dental.html. Last accessed: 5th May 2023.

How Can a New Dental Aid Network Help Vulnerable Citizens?
30Apr
Three students from Queen’s University, Canada, have launched a brand new Dental aid network that is designed to help vulnerable and marginalized members of society with their oral health. They aim to provide citizens with essential dental products. The three students have been praised for their efforts, which will hopefully have a very positive impact on society.

In an admirable effort, three students from Queen’s University have launched the Queen’s Dental Aid Network – with the aim of supplying essential dental products to vulnerable and marginalized members of society.

The three students are aiming to assist those in Kingston and surrounding areas to begin with. However, they have high hopes for the future and may look to expand to more areas.

Queen’s Dental Aid Network

The three students behind the project are Connor Hamlyn, Kianna Niaki and Peter Hwang [1]. All three are studying Health Sciences at Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.

The network will aim to help improve the oral health of vulnerable citizens in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington.

To achieve this they plan on supplying products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss to vulnerable citizens [1]. These are all essential items, but ones that not everyone can afford or can access.

Hamlyn says that some vulnerable people “walk around with a toothbrush that’s been hanging off their bag, thrown on the ground, getting in the dirt”, making them largely ineffective.

The trio will be partnering with local dental clinics and retailers [1]. Furthermore, many clinics and retailers have committed to donate any expired products or excess stock to the organization. Then, they will be delivered to shelters and charitable organizations [1].

Hamlyn has spoken about the resources they have available. He says “we do have a lot of food, and the food is coming in” [1]. However, Hamlyn notes that while vulnerable people receive hot meals, oral health is neglected.

The group are specifically focusing on oral health, as in the words of Niaki, they realized that many conditions can be impacted by having poor oral hygiene [1]. Therefore, their actions can help prevent further conditions.

Niaki said that when they learned “how important oral hygiene is” that they were “really determined to make a difference” [1].

Oral health in Kingston

Niaki pointed out that for marginalized and vulnerable people, oral health isn’t something they treat as a priority. She says that “food and shelter is top priority” for such people [1]. But they “wish to address the importance of oral hygiene” as it is “crucial to one’s health and adequate functioning” [1].

Kingston is a good place to target. There is a large homelessness problem in the area, with homeless shelters struggling to cope with demand [2]. Moreover, the harsh winter is causing even more people to seek shelter [2].

In fact, one recent high-profile case involved a person that had coped with a gum infection for almost a decade [3]. The man was unable to afford treatment over this time period. Therefore, the new initiative outlined above will look to tackle such issues.

Looking forward

The three people behind the initiative have earned praise for their efforts. If it proves to be successful, they may look to expand further in the future.

The trio are aiming to raise awareness of their efforts to dental offices, drugstores and the community to try and achieve further support or donations.

As Hwang says, their purpose is to “mix marginalized communities in our community while raising awareness for oral hygiene and oral health by giving out these semi-frequent care packages for those in need” [1].

This purpose should have a very positive impact on vulnerable and marginalized populations. The aim is for them to have improved oral hygiene which should hopefully have a positive impact on their overall health and quality of life.

Thinking points…

1) This article talks about oral hygiene. Most people clean their teeth, but oral hygiene is so much more than this! It includes flossing, eating healthily and very importantly – getting regular dental check-ups. Check-ups allow a dentist to have a thorough look at your oral health and provide advice. We recommend booking an appointment now!

2) Homelessness is a big problem in many places. While many people kindly provide food and hot drinks to the homeless, it is important to also remember that practical things like toothbrushes and toothpaste can also help. The next time you think about donating, consider donating something oral hygiene related – it could help a lot.

What we offer at Savanna Dental

Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.

It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.

We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.

Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.


In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.

We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.

References

[1] MacAlpine, I. (2023). Queen’s student initiative hopes to provide oral care supplies to those in need. Available: https://www.thewhig.com/news/queens-student-initiative-hopes-to-provide-oral-care-supplies-to-those-in-need. Last accessed: 27th April 2023.

[2] Davis, D. (2023). Kingston homeless population vulnerable as temperature plummets. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9453132/kingston-homeless-population-vulnerable-cold/. Last accessed: 27th April 2023.

[3] Muhammad-Yusuf, F. (2023). Cost of dental care proving to be a roadblock for unhoused individuals in Kingston, Ont.. Available: https://globalnews.ca/news/9613726/dental-care-cost-roadblock-kingston-ont-unhoused/. Last accessed: 27th April 2023.