A narrative review on the current uses of artificial intelligence in endodontics

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely introduced to dentistry in the past decade. Its application in endodontics is limited to different areas such as working length determination, morphological assessment, detection of vertical root fracture, and the detection of periapical lesion. Therefore, this study aims to highlight the available evidence for the uses of AI in endodontics. It also presents the current status as well as the future perspectives on the uses of AI and its potential application in everyday practice. A literature search was conducted from January 2000 to January 2023 using PubMed and Google Scholar for the terms AI and endodontics. Thirty-one studies were evaluated and summarized, highlighting the potential use of different AI models in endodontics. The evaluation of the studies indicated that the use of AI is promising and could aid in tailored endodontics therapy. It would help the clinician in the detection of periapical radiolucency, root fractures, and determination of working length. However, well-designed, high-quality research is required to assess the possible implementation of AI into day-to-day practice in endodontics.

Keywords

• artificial intelligence
• artificial neural networks
• convolutional neural networks
• deep learning
• endodontics
• machine learning