Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into various healthcare fields, offering new tools to assist medical professionals. Dentistry is one area where this advanced technology is making a significant impact. Pearl, a prominent company, has developed AI-powered solutions designed to support dental practitioners. These tools aim to enhance the diagnostic process by analyzing dental images, providing dentists with supplementary insights during patient examinations.
What Pearl’s AI Detects on X-Rays
Pearl’s AI-powered platform, known as Second Opinion, is designed to identify a broad spectrum of common dental conditions from X-rays. This system applies computer vision technology to analyze radiographic images. It can detect dental caries, commonly known as cavities, by pinpointing areas of demineralization on the tooth structure. The AI also identifies calculus, which is hardened plaque or tartar, often visible on the tooth surface or below the gum line.
The system further recognizes periapical radiolucencies, which often indicate an infection or abscess at the root tip of a tooth. Discrepancies at the margins of existing restorations, such as fillings or crowns, are also flagged, highlighting potential areas for decay or leakage. Beyond pathology, the AI can identify and highlight existing dental work, including crowns, fillings, root canals, bridges, and implants. Second Opinion 3D extends its capabilities to analyze cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, enabling automated identification of key anatomical structures like dentition, the maxilla, mandible, inferior alveolar canal, mental foramen, maxillary sinus, nasal space, and airway structures.
The Role of AI in the Dental Chair
Pearl’s AI solution functions as a real-time diagnostic aid within the dental practice. When a dentist takes an X-ray, the Second Opinion software immediately processes the image. It then applies computer vision to highlight specific findings directly on the digital radiograph. This immediate display provides the dentist with a “second opinion,” helping to confirm their observations and ensure consistency in diagnosis.
This technology also enhances communication between the dentist and the patient. Patients can view their X-rays with the AI’s annotations, which visually point out identified conditions. Seeing these highlighted areas on their images improves a patient’s understanding of their oral health status. This visual aid helps patients better grasp the necessity of proposed treatments, fostering informed decision-making regarding their dental care. The AI acts as a transparent tool, supporting both clinical accuracy and patient engagement.
FDA Clearance and Reliability
Pearl’s Second Opinion platform has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This clearance signifies that the device has been reviewed for both safety and effectiveness. This regulatory approval establishes credibility and trustworthiness for the technology within the United States healthcare system.
Second Opinion was the first AI-driven solution cleared by the FDA to detect numerous conditions in dental X-rays. Pearl also became the first dental AI company with FDA-cleared solutions for both 2D and 3D dental radiologic image analysis. Clinical studies supporting the FDA clearance showed that AI-assisted readings accurately identified a greater percentage of lesions compared to readings without AI assistance.