Technology is woven into nearly every aspect of our daily lives, so why should dentistry be any different? As dental hygienists, we have the opportunity to embrace emerging technologies while supporting, not replacing, our clinical judgment and expertise. Artificial intelligence is one of the latest advancements reshaping dentistry, and periodontal assessment is an area where it has great potential.
Periodontal assessment is an essential part of what we do every day. It can be easy to overlook just how widespread and significant periodontal disease truly is. Nearly 40% of US adults, approximately 65 million people, are affected by some form of periodontal disease, making it one of the nation’s most common chronic diseases and highlighting the importance of early detection.1
One of the greatest challenges we face is that many patients are unaware they have the disease. Helping patients understand the seriousness of a condition they cannot see or feel is one of the most difficult yet most important parts of periodontal care. Artificial intelligence offers another tool to support earlier detection, monitor progression, enhance patient education and understanding, and strengthen the periodontal care we provide every day.2
Why AI matters to today’s hygienists
Periodontal assessments have always required a combination of clinical examination, periodontal charting, and radiographic evaluation. While these techniques remain the foundation of periodontal assessment, they also rely heavily on the clinician. Differences in clinical judgment, experience level, and radiographic interpretation can sometimes lead to variability in assessment findings and treatment planning.²
Artificial intelligence offers an opportunity to support dental hygienists by providing another set of eyes and perspectives. By analyzing radiographs and comparing findings with large datasets, AI systems can recognize patterns associated with bone loss, periodontal disease severity, and changes over time.³
AI may also assist with identifying findings that can influence periodontal treatment planning, including areas of crestal bone loss, decay, furcation involvement, anatomical concerns, and potential subgingival calculus deposits.³ While these findings still require clinical confirmation, AI can help bring attention to areas that may indicate additional evaluation. This can be especially valuable during busy clinical days when subtle changes may be more difficult to recognize.
AI-supported periodontal assessments also benefit patients who experience challenges with traditional procedures. Patients with physical or cognitive limitations may have difficulty tolerating periodontal probing, remaining still during radiographs, or following assessment instructions, which can affect the accuracy of clinical findings. In these situations, AI may provide additional support by helping clinicians evaluate available information more consistently and identify areas that require further attention.4
Ways AI is improving periodontal assessments
- Identify areas of bone loss
- Support periodontal charting
- Improve treatment planning decisions
- Detect subgingival calculus
- Identify furcation involvement and anatomical risk factors
- Monitor disease progression
- Highlight areas of decay or other concerns
- Assist in risk assessment
AI in action: Case study
A 52-year-old man presents for a periodontal evaluation complaining that his gums bleed when he brushes. His medical history indicates type 2 diabetes. Clinical examination reveals generalized 4- to 5-mm probing depths with bleeding on probing. Bitewing and periapical radiographs demonstrate mild horizontal bone loss and areas of calculus (figures 1 and 2). After inputting the information, how can the AI enhanced radiograph assist in periodontal assessment?