In spite of the fact that robots could before long take over working rooms and dental centers, dental specialists are still the best choice to this day. Robots may currently not be able to replicate all the abilities that a dental specialist can, yet we can definitely expect a more significant involvement later on. Robots have the ability to become amazing dental specialists since machines can work more precisely than humans. 

It will not be long before dental specialists begin utilizing more machines to assist them with carrying out their responsibility. Numerous practitioners use sedation services since many patients are reluctant to go to a dental specialist. This leaves the discussion open that different patients may feel better once a robot has the ability to accurately take a shot at their teeth. However, research indicates that dental patients don’t, all things considered, want a robot swinging a drill at any point near their mouth in the near future, but, a majority of people will replace that human interaction with a robot in the event that it gives them a financial break. There is, obviously, a great number of us on the planet who are already terrified of dental specialists so we defer from seeing our dentist even for the most normal appointments. 

The existing technology in modern dentistry readily available to devoted experts and GPs alike includes robot-guided surgery, sonic-powered endodontics, intraoral scanners (itero element 2) and far more. Systems and technologies today make it simpler than ever for general oral practices to efficiently include new treatment options, and for specialized practices to attain brand-new levels of effectiveness and clinical success.

In most recent developments, a team of expert dentists in China has successfully used a robot on a volunteer patient. As the planet’s first completely computerized dental implant and extraction, the robotic dental specialist embedded two dental implants by using a framework replication of the woman’s mouth. The framework is complex and contains information on the patient’s skull and jaw, which was gathered during the planning of the operation utilizing CT scans. Although this operation was completed by the robot, detailed measurements needed to be calculated by the team pre-op and drill bits changed by hand. 

The dental field is increasingly using AI and robotics to assist dentists in procedures, especially in orthodontic surgery and root canal surgery. According to the South China Morning Post, robots are also used in the process of training students and solving the lack of qualified dentists in China. It is also useful in eliminating problems such as surgical errors. The publication also added that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the robot named Yomi. According to reports, Yomi was created to help or assist human surgeons in installing implants.

 Yomi is a symbol of the new world of digital dentistry, Yomi includes everything from smart toothbrushes to 3-D X-rays to robotic assistance. This technology is aimed at shortening the number of dental visits required by patients and the time they spend in chairs. In order to make Yomi act, the technician types instructions on the keyboard, which will guide the actions of the robotic assistant. As shown in the image (left) the screen is above the middle section of Yomi, which shows the inside of the patient’s mouth. All facts aside, this shows that robots still need the help of human intelligence to perform their duties. 

Dentistry is reliant on people for dental treatment and administrations, however, robots can be a helpful instrument for improving the nature of dental consideration and the wellbeing of the patient. This leaves the question; Does this approach provide a viable solution for patients in areas where there is a shortage of dental professionals? Can a machine replace the skills and expertise of a dentist? How did the patient react to the robotic dentist? Is everything technically feasible still desirable? Torsten Meyer-Elmenhorst, a dentist at Ivoclar Vivadent AG, is not worried about these developments: “Robots are only capable of doing what humans teach them. They will execute high precision working steps according to specific data sets. Nevertheless, systems of this kind will always play an assistive role. In the future, the knowledge of qualified dentists – and therefore human specialists – will remain indispensable in determining indications and in decision-making.” 

Even before the arrival of COVID-19, ensuring patient safety during dental procedures remains a challenge. Dental instruments usually produce harmful airborne particles containing bacteria from saliva, blood, and below the gum line. These particles can be suspended in the air for up to six hours. Other contaminants are released during the process of removing fillers and drilling crowns, bridges, and restorations.

So, why is it important now? As of August 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization have both advised against allowing dentists to perform routine dental care. In contrast, the World Health Organization requires people all over the world to explore options such as telemedicine visits and self-care. The American Dental Association issued a statement in response to the guidance of the World Health Organization that routine dental care is as important as any other type of medical care and should be allowed to continue as long as the dentist takes appropriate safety precautions.