In a groundbreaking achievement, a robot has successfully completed a fully automated dental surgery on a human, marking a world first in medical technology.
The surgery was performed by a US-based company, Perceptive, which specializes in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced imaging with robotics to enhance the precision and efficiency of dental procedures.
The innovative technology developed by Perceptive includes a robotic arm capable of performing intricate dental work, such as fillings and crowns.
The Chief Executive and founder of Perceptive, Dr. Chris Ciriello, hailed the development as a major advancement in dental care, stating, “This medical breakthrough enhances precision and efficiency of dental procedures.”
Perceptive has received significant backing, securing $30 million (approximately N48 billion) in funding. Among its supporters is dentist Edward Zuckerberg, the father of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
The company believes that its technology has the potential to revolutionize dentistry by significantly reducing the time required for procedures. For instance, the firm claims that crown placements could be completed in just 15 minutes, a substantial improvement over the current method, which typically requires two separate hour-long visits to the dentist.
The process begins with a 3D scan of the patient’s tooth and mouth, capturing detailed images beneath the gum line. This data allows the robotic arm to perform dental procedures with unprecedented accuracy.
However, the technology is still under development and is not yet available for purchase in the United States. Additionally, it has not received clearance from the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Despite these hurdles, the makers of the robotic device are confident in its safety and potential impact on the field of dentistry. They assert that their technology will “transform dentistry,” offering faster and more accurate alternatives to conventional dental procedures.
As the technology continues to evolve, it is anticipated that robotic dentistry could soon become a standard practice, providing patients with more efficient and precise dental care.