New software from a company named Overjet aims to take the guesswork out of dentistry, and provide dentists with a more accurate depiction of a patient’s oral health. This software will enable more accurate treatment decisions to be made. Moreover, treatment outcomes and the overall experience for patients should improve. Therefore, this software has the potential to have a very positive impact on dentistry.
New software from a company named Overjet could result in improved accuracy in terms of interpreting X-rays in dentistry. Their new software represents an exciting development in dentistry.
A problem that has existed in dentistry for many years is that there is an element in guesswork when it comes to X-rays. Dentists often have limited time to interpret X-rays, knowing their patient is sat right next to them, with others waiting outside.
But now, this new software can have a positive impact on oral health. Improved software can lead to dentists making more informed decisions, leading to better treatment outcomes.
X-rays in dentistry
X-rays actually date back to 1895! However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that they were first used in dentistry [1]. Since then, they have become a main fixture in dental clinics.
X-rays provide images of a patient’s teeth. This allows a dentist to evaluate the oral health of their patient. These X-rays result in dentists being able to identify things like cavities, tooth decay and impacted teeth [2].
Once X-rays have been completed, they will appear on the computer used by the dentist. However, these computers aren’t specialized for radiology. Therefore, dentists need to interpret X-rays themselves.
This creates a situation where different dentists may have differing opinions on what treatment should be chosen. Software that improves this situation is badly needed, which is where Overjet comes in.
About Overjet
Overjet is a company that used artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and annotate X-rays for dentists and insurance providers [3]. Overall, this allows for consistent results across X-rays, effectively removing guesswork for dentists.
To create their software, the company analyzed millions of X-rays which had been used by dental practices around the United States [3]. Then, using AI, the company were able to find consistencies across the millions of X-rays, along with other insights and information. As a result, Overjet have been able to create an strong understanding of X-rays.
The software works simply. X-rays are imported onto a computer, before Overjet’s software annotates and colours the X-rays automatically. The colours will show the overall health of each tooth. For example, Overjet’s software can show the exact level of bone loss, the severity of cavities and more in each tooth [3].
Overjet’s software is also capable of incorporating historical information about each patient, aiding dentists in identifying areas in the mouth that are worsening quicker than other areas [3]. This all provides dentists with strong insights into their patient’s oral health.
Overjet has recently been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to detect cavities in dental care [3]. Moreover, they have also gained approval by the FDA to quantify bone levels in X-rays – which can help dentists to spot the signs of gum disease [3].
The benefits this could have
There is no shortage of benefits that Overjet’s software can have on dentistry. Overjet’s core aim is to improve patient care by providing dentists with more accurate depictions of X-rays [3].
Wardah Inam is the co-founder of Overjet. Inam spoke of how dentists can have differing takes on conditions and their treatment choices [3]. For example, a cavity can be treated with a filling, a crown, a root canal, a bridge and more [3].
Therefore, when patients hear different things from multiple dentists, it can become confusing. Dentists make decisions based on milometers, with very little margin for error. But these X-rays can provide patients with more consistent and accurate results – regardless of the dentist involved [3].
Overjet’s software can also improve the patient experience. By providing clear and coloured annotations, dentists can visually show their patients what is happening in their mouth, which allows them to explain why they are recommending certain treatments.
Inam commented on the software created by her and co-founder Alexander Jelicich [3]. “It’s about moving toward more precision medicine, where we have the right treatments at the right time”, she commented [3].
Continuing, Inam said that this is “where technology can help” [3]. “Once we quantify the disease, we can make it very easy to recommend the right treatment”, Inam stated [3].
Looking ahead to the future, Inam has said that “our mission at Overjet is to improve oral health by creating a future that is clinically precise, efficient, and patient-centric” [3]. Overjet are hoping to integrate their tools directly into dental clinics. Software can easily be added to dental clinics.
Overall, these various areas can greatly improve the patient experience. It will result in better and more accurate treatment outcomes, and is another example of how AI can benefit the dental industry. This software would be very useful for dentists and patients alike.
Thinking points…
1) As mentioned, an X-ray is a very important part of dentistry, given all that it shows dentists. X-rays are a routine element of regular dental check-ups. Therefore, this shows the importance of a regular dental check-up. By seeing your dentist regularly, they can check your overall oral health. We highly recommend booking an appointment soon!
2) It could be a while before this software is implemented at dental clinics. When you next visit your dentist, don’t be afraid to ask for them to explain what the X-ray is showing. By taking an interest in decisions around your treatment, you will be significantly more informed, allowing you to choose the treatment option that is best for you and your circumstances.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary Dental Clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice aimed at improving 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] Forrai, J. (2007). History of X-ray in dentistry. Revists De Clínica E Pesquisa Odontológica. 3 (3): p205-211. ISSN: 1807-5274.
[2] Frank, C. (2018). Dental X-Rays. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-x-rays. Last accessed: 1st July 2022.
[3] Winn, Z. (2022). Taking the guesswork out of dental care with artificial intelligence. Available: https://news.mit.edu/2022/overjet-dental-artificial-intelligence-0624. Last accessed: 1st July 2022.
