Perceptive's AI Robot Makes History with First Fully Automated Dental Procedure
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San Francisco, August 05, 2024 (bioaccess®) – In a groundbreaking advancement in dental care, Perceptive, a Boston-based company, has successfully completed the world's first fully automated dental procedure on a human. The milestone was achieved using their advanced AI-driven robotic system, significantly reducing the time required for a dental crown procedure from the traditional two-and-a-half hours to just 15 minutes.
Perceptive dental robotic system. (Photo credit: Perceptive)
Perceptive's innovative dental robotics system integrates artificial intelligence, 3D imaging software, and a robotic arm designed to perform dental procedures with unparalleled speed and precision. Dr. Chris Ciriello, CEO and Founder of Perceptive, explained the process to Newsweek: “The crown was made off a scan at the exam appointment. From that scan, we simulate the cut and, in the case of the crown, make the restoration before cutting the tooth. When the patient returns, the tooth is cut, and the crown is cemented in 15 minutes. Our aim was for accuracy, to enable this level of precision as well as timing.”
Perceptive's system employs optical coherence tomography (OCT) for diagnostics and treatment planning, enabling early and highly accurate diagnoses. The advanced intraoral scanner captures 3D images beneath the gum line, through fluids, and under the tooth surface, providing detailed imaging that helps patients better understand their dental conditions. The AI algorithms then analyze the 3D data and plan the procedure, ensuring high precision and efficiency, which reduces the need for manual labor and minimizes the chances of human error.
Dr. Edward Zuckerberg, a pioneer in integrating technology into dental clinics and the father of Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, praised the system’s design and rigorous testing. “The robotics system has been designed and rigorously tested to ensure that dentists can perform treatments safely, even in conditions where patient movement is prevalent. This commitment to safety is core to Perceptive's dedication to providing reliable and effective dental care solutions using state-of-the-art technology,” he said.
German Galluicci, DMD, Ph.D., Chairman of Restorative Dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, highlighted the accuracy of the technology, stating that it achieves “over a 90% accuracy rate for detecting caries without the radiation associated with traditional X-rays and CBCT scanners.” This high accuracy ensures safer and more precise diagnoses, enhancing patient care and safety.
Perceptive dental robotic system. (Photo credit: Perceptive)
Traditionally, a dental crown procedure involves multiple visits: a one-and-a-half-hour preparation appointment followed by a 30-minute restoration and a cementation visit. Perceptive's system drastically reduces this time by simulating the preparation geometry before prepping the tooth, allowing the restoration to be manufactured in advance. The procedure not only shortens the treatment time but also aims to democratize access to high-quality dental care, especially in underserved communities.
Perceptive has raised $30 million in funding to date, with significant investments from PDS Health, Dr. Ed Zuckerberg, Innospark Ventures, KdT Ventures, Primavera Capital, Plaisance Capital, Y Combinator, and others. These funds will support the continued development and scaling of their automated dental healthcare solutions.
Perceptive's AI-powered robotic dental system represents a significant leap forward in the field of dentistry, offering faster, more accurate, and safer procedures. This innovation not only improves the efficiency of dental care but also enhances the overall patient experience, setting a new standard for dental procedures worldwide.
About Perceptive
Perceptive is at the forefront of dental technology innovation, dedicated to developing fully automated solutions that empower dentists to provide better care to more patients. Through revolutionary breakthroughs in imaging, AI, and robotics, Perceptive is redefining the future of dentistry. Perceptive is partnered with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and American Dental Association's Forsyth Institute. It is backed by industry-leading investors such as Ed Zuckerberg, Innospark Ventures, KdT Ventures, Primavera Capital, Plaisance Capital, Y Combinator, and more.
Perceptive’s dental robotics system and intraoral scanner are currently under development. The statements made regarding these products, in this press release have not been reviewed by FDA or other regulatory agency.
For more information, visit https://www.perceptive.io.
