Dr Vivek V. Nair
Editor, JPID
Prosthodontic Research in the Digital Era:
Current Trends and Future Prospects
Digital transformation has become a buzzword across
many industries, and the dental field is no exception.
Based on electronic health data, digital transformation
is acknowledged as one of the biggest game-changers
of the twenty-first century, tackling both current and
future challenges in dental and oral healthcare. A novel
method for addressing today’s major healthcare issues,
such as an ageing population with a higher incidence of
chronic diseases and higher lifetime treatment costs, is
offered by the utilization of digital tools and apps. Health
care providers may improve patient satisfaction, develop
loyalty and trust, and streamline operations with the
aid of digitalization. The trend of digitalization has also
been influenced and nurtured by the social and cultural
habits of civilised society in industrialised nations.
These behaviours include urbanism, centralization,
mobility, and constant accessibility through the use
of smartphones, tablets, and the internet of things
(IoT). In order to ensure transparency for all parties
involved—including patients, healthcare providers,
universities and research institutions, the medtech
industry, insurance, the public media, and state policy—
digital dentistry necessitates managing expectations
in a more pragmatic and realistic manner. It is not to
be construed that digital smart data technology will
eventually take the place of people who can provide
dental competence and patient empathy. The dental
team in charge of digital applications is still crucial to
patient care and will always be so. Many difficulties
arise in the process of gathering, storing, and analysing
digital biological patient data. Safeguarding patient
data for optimal safety requires not just technical
considerations for managing massive volumes of data,
but also adherence to globally established norms and
ethical guidelines.1
There are four main categories that best describe
the advantages of digital dental technologies in
Prosthodontics. The first and foremost is improved
communication. Dental laboratory staff, patients,
dentists, and other stakeholders may all communicate clearly with the help of computerized patient records.
Furthermore, digital radiographs and pictures depicting
intraoral conditions improve the information exchange
between medical professionals and patients. One
of the main benefits of integrated electronic patient
records is error-free, real-time communication.
Enhanced record keeping, data fidelity, workflow
efficiency, and therapeutic outcomes are among
the benefits of increased quality. Real-time clinical
improvement is made possible by intraoral scanning
of tooth preparations that are examined in highly
contrasted, magnified fields on a computer screen
while the patient is in direct view. Data archiving for
specific patients is the third benefit. The following are
some benefits of using 3-D archived diagnostic casts:
a) long-lasting images without causing damage or
loss to the original casts; b) allowing the images to
be interfaced with other images for analysis using
cutting-edge analytical and design tools; c) removing
human error; and d) reduced costs for storage. The
fourth and most significant advantage of digital
technology in Prosthodontics is its favourable effect
on patient satisfaction. More advanced treatment plans
are driven by the enhanced diagnostic data. Several
factors, such as time constraints, IT support costs, a
lack of basic computer skills, disruptions to workflow,
privacy and security concerns, interprofessional and
intersystem connections, and technical and expert
support, are impeding the adoption of digital technology
in Prosthodontics.2,3
Several digital processes for production processing
in Prosthodontics have already been incorporated
into treatment procedures, particularly in the quickly
expanding fields of rapid prototyping (RP) and computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacture (CAD/
CAM). Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
(ML) have created new opportunities for automated
processing in radiological imaging. Furthermore, the
technology underlying the superimposition of various
imaging files to create virtual dentistry patients and non-invasive simulations comparing various outcomes
before any clinical intervention is known as augmented
and virtual reality, or AR/VR. These exciting new
technologies—whose potential applications are still up
in the air—have been made conceivable by increased
IT capability.1,2,3
The process of rapidly and autonomously creating
three-dimensional (3D) models of a finished product
or a component of a whole using 3D printers is known
as rapid prototyping. Complex 3D geometries can be
produced at a reasonable cost with minimal material
waste, thanks to the additive manufacturing technique.
The workpiece is virtually sliced into multiple two dimensional layers. The tool-path is then generated
by the AM machine in both the x and y dimensions. A
three-dimensional component is formed by sequentially
depositing each material layer on top of the other.
The foundation of this novel approach is the slicing
of a three-dimensional CAD model into numerous
thin layers, which are then built one after the other by
manufacturing machinery using the geometric data.
Dental technology can benefit greatly from RP’s mass
manufacture of dental models and its ability to fabricate
implant surgical guides. Large-scale, simultaneous
production in a repeatable, standardized manner is
highly advantageous from an economic perspective.4
Augmented reality, or AR, is an interactive technology
that uses computer-animated perceptual data to
enhance a real-world experience. Stated differently,
augmented reality is the addition of virtual content to
the physical world. Usually, it involves superimposing
extra digital data on real-time pictures or movies.
In contrast, virtual reality relies solely on artificial,
non-reality-connected computerized settings. Every
imaginable form of sensation, primarily visual,
aural, and haptic, can be employed alone or in any
combination, depending on the technique. In addition
to several fascinating advancements for patients and
healthcare professionals, AR/VR technologies are
currently finding a growing number of applications in
the field of Prosthodontics as a whole.5,6
Artificial Intelligence has come a long way in the last
ten years. The field of Prosthodontics is about to benefit
from the most intriguing AI applications that are just
around the corner. Though AI is developing quickly, it
will never be able to fully replace human intelligence,
skill, or capacity to make decisions. Artificial Intelligence
(AI) in prosthodontics is growing exponentially. The
implementation’s results are on par with, and sometimes
even better than, those of humans. AI can be seen as a
potential tool in every area, including the identification of marginal lines, the classification of denture fixtures
and maxillofacial prosthesis, and the reduction of
human error in implant cementation. Furthermore,
AI cannot take the role of human knowledge, skill, or
treatment planning; it can only support clinicians in
carrying out their responsibilities in a professional
manner. AI is generally recognized as a great tool
for Prosthodontists, despite the fact that there are still
obstacles to be addressed, including data collection,
interpretation, computing power, and ethical issues.
With careful design and long-term clinical validation,
AI can be transparent, unbiased, repeatable, and
user-friendly.7,8
Future research should emphasize the connection
between oral and general health in order to concentrate
on patient-centered outcomes and personalized therapy.
Research in Prosthodontics ought to be useful to society
in this context. It shouldn’t only produce papers for
scientific journals; instead, it should aim to improve
clinical protocols. Research and development in
material science and related technical applications
aim to preserve tooth structures with early diagnosis,
repair of dental conditions to attain aesthetics, function
with high degree of predictability, along with fewer
appointments. Digital technology has a significant
impact on patient motivation, clinical aspects, laboratory
procedures, student training, practice management,
and research.
References