Smart Diagnostics and Prognostics: The Application of AI in Oral Disease Management-A Narrative Review

Yadav PK, Aiswareya G, Verma SK, Budakoti N and Sharma VK

Published on: 2025-11-08

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is evolving dentistry by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and illness prediction. Many oral diseases, including oral cancer, PMDs, and dental caries, show subtle signs that are often missed during routine exams. Manual interpretation of radiographs is time-consuming and prone to error, especially in complex cases like bone loss, cysts, or root fractures. AI can enhance early detection, improve diagnostic accuracy, and support faster, more reliable decision-making in dental care. AI techniques such as Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) are commonly used to detect and forecast oral diseases. AI-powered models evaluate massive datasets, such as clinical pictures, radiographs, and other clinical records of patient, to aid in faster and more accurate diagnosis. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) improve image processing by detecting caries, bone loss, and oral diseases. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) help classify oral illnesses and make decisions. Natural Language Processing (NLP) is utilized to extract useful information from clinical notes and research literature, thereby facilitating automated documentation and decision assistance. Artificial Intelligence- assists with orthodontic analysis, cephalometric landmark detection, and treatment outcome prediction. Despite these developments, issues like as data harmonization, ethical problems, and computing limits persist. AI’s full potential in dentistry will only be achieved with ongoing study, validation, and incorporation into clinical operations.