Race to the Moon or the Bottom? Applications, Performance, and Ethical Considerations of Artificial Intelligence in Prosthodontics and Implant Dentistry

Abstract

Objectives: This review aims to explore the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in prosthodontics and implant dentistry, focusing on its performance outcomes and associated ethical concerns. Materials and Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted across databases such as PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus. Studies published between January 2022 and May 2024, in English, were considered. The Population (P) included patients or extracted teeth with AI applications in prosthodontics and implant dentistry; the Intervention (I) was AI-based tools; the Comparison (C) was traditional methods, and the Outcome (O) involved AI performance outcomes and ethical considerations. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess the quality and risk of bias in the studies. Results: Out of 3420 initially identified articles, 18 met the inclusion criteria for AI applications in prosthodontics and implant dentistry. The review highlighted AI’s significant role in improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and prosthesis design. AI models demonstrated high accuracy in classifying dental implants and predicting implant outcomes, although limitations were noted in data diversity and model generalizability. Regarding ethical issues, five studies identified concerns such as data privacy, system bias, and the potential replacement of human roles by AI. While patients generally viewed AI positively, dental professionals expressed hesitancy due to a lack of familiarity and regulatory guidelines, highlighting the need for better education and ethical frameworks. Conclusions: AI has the potential to revolutionize prosthodontics and implant dentistry by enhancing treatment accuracy and efficiency. However, there is a pressing need to address ethical issues through comprehensive training and the development of regulatory frameworks. Future research should focus on broadening AI applications and addressing the identified ethical concerns.