Identifying and explaining the nuances in the greyscale of 2D, black-and-white radiographs has always posed challenges for dentist and patient communication. The fundamental difficulty stems from the infrequency with which most patients encounter radiographs, typically only during occasional visits to the dental chair.
While the trained human eye — that of the dentist — can discern approximately 30-50 shades of grey, the digital realm of radiography assigns specific colour codes to each pixel, potentially representing hundreds of shades of grey. This provides inherent limitations to the dentists’ diagnostic capabilities.
With Pearl’s Second Opinion®, the software technology has finally caught up with the hardware. Leveraging computer vision technology, Second Opinion® has been meticulously trained on vast datasets comprising millions of radiographs.
It excels at analysing and interpreting hundreds of shades of grey, enabling it to pinpoint subtle dental pathologies and detect elusive issues in x-rays, such as incipient caries or early indicators of periapical radiolucency. These findings are illuminated in vibrant colours on the radiographs.
Certainly an impressive upgrade from those old black-and-white classics, wouldn't you agree?
Transforming case presentation
When you brighten up your radiographs with colourful, data-driven AI insights, you brighten up your patients’ experience. Practices that turn on the power of radiologic AI, allow patients to experience dentistry in a whole new light.
Another stand-out feature is Pearl's "Tooth Segmentation Tool," which delineates various tissues of the tooth, including enamel, dentin, and cementum in distinct colours. Pair this visual aid with AI-generated annotations, and suddenly, conveying pathologic findings becomes a breeze, making it easier for your patients to understand what is being shown and diagnosed.
When a patient sees their x-rays in full colour it transforms their experience comparable to transitioning from a black-and-white TV to a high-definition colour TV. This visual clarity empowers dentists to effectively communicate nuances, such as the depth of a cavity or the presence of a concealed fracture, fostering active patient engagement and informed decision-making.
Increasing treatment acceptance with Pearl
When areas of interest are identified in colour and supported by data-driven AI insights, patients are more trusting of the dentist's diagnosis, thus increasing their willingness to accept necessary treatment.
Radiologic findings validated by an AI system add unprecedented objectivity to diagnoses, while presenting images with enhanced clarity and focus. This provides dentists with a stronger diagnostic foundation for treatment recommendations, instilling real confidence in patients regarding the necessity of treatment.
Additionally, using visual aids helps patients grasp subtleties during case presentation, fostering trust in their dentist's expertise and empowering them to prioritise their oral health. Statistically, practices utilising Pearl's Second Opinion® have reported an average increase of 37% in case acceptance, underscoring its transformative impact.
The future of dentistry is powered by AI
AI isn’t just a fad; it’s a tool destined to become as commonplace in dental practices as the x-ray unit on the wall (i.e., an essential utility). It allows dentists to detect issues earlier, enabling more preventative treatments. It enhances efficiency, productivity, and empowers greater precision and diagnostic accuracy than ever before. It assists in patient communication with colourful visual aids, fostering informed and engaged treatment discussions, and thus is conducive to trust building.
As this movement gains traction and the synergy between AI and other technology strengthens, the future holds promise for a higher standard of oral healthcare worldwide. With greater oral healthcare comes an enhanced quality of life for patients and dental professionals alike.
Ready to join the 10,000+ dentists worldwide who are already enhancing their patient experience with AI-powered insights? Schedule a free demo today!
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