ENCINO, Calif. — For almost a century, how dentists read X-rays has remained the same. 

What You Need To Know

  • Dentists are using Artificial Intelligence software for patient care

  • Pearl AI is a new technology that takes a standard X-ray and shows dentists potential problem areas, such as cavities that may not be visible to the naked eye

  • The technology color codes different layers of the teeth, so dentists can see how far along a patient's dental issues have progressed

  • The use of AI continues to grow not just in the medical field, but across various aspects of society

When X-rays became mainstream, many medical professionals used to physically look at the film. 

As technology has improved, dentists scan X-rays by holding up a large picture or, in recent years, using digital software on a computer to review any findings with their patients.

But now, artificial intelligence is changing the game. 

Dr. August de Oliviera has a practice in Encino. He wants to improve patient care and saw an opportunity to use AI-based software called Pearl AI. 

"What I learned in dental school basically could not have prepared me for the changes in the last 10 years," Dr. de Oliviera said. "There's been a few cavities that I've missed as a human."

Pearl AI can help dentists spot issues they may have missed. 

The technology takes a standard X-ray and shows dentists potential problem areas, such as cavities, that may not be visible to the naked eye. This allows medical professionals to take preventative actions. 

"For me, as a dentist, it's almost like spell check," Dr. de Oliviera said. "So, it's a second set of eyes looking at what I would normally look at."

The technology color codes different layers of the teeth, so dentists can see how far along a patient's dental issues have progressed. 

Pearl AI highlights the enamel, dentin, nerves and bone depth of individual teeth, which should help with accuracy and care compared to standard X-ray readings.

"We do know from a lot of studies that there is inconsistency in the way individuals look at radiographs, look at x-rays, and make assessments," said Sanjay Mallya, a professor and chair of the section of oral and maxxiofacial radiology at UCLA. "These tools will make our workflow easier, will help facilitate our consistency, but at the end of the day, it does require a human observer."

As the use of AI continues to grow not just in the medical field, but across various aspects of society, Dr. de Oliviera is excited to see how far the technology will develop to provide more efficient care.

"There's a lot of new things coming out," he said. "Different types of 3D X-rays, and robotics that AI will definitely be a part of, that will allow us to be better dentists."