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Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of machines to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence. Although it was first conceptualized in the 1950s, it has developed rapidly in recent times. AI can undertake complex predictions and make decisions due to its ability to mimic human intelligence. Its popularity has grown exponentially in the health sector including dentistry. It is useful in all dental disciplines, including endodontics, oral medicine and radiology, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral pathology, and forensic odontology. This review describes the history, types, and uses of AI across different disciplines. This will help dental professionals to understand the utility of AI and improve their efficiency toward better patient care.

Introduction: Screening programs with the use of specific diagnostic tools in asymptomatic patients are useful in identifying suspicious oral lesions and aid in the early diagnosis of oral cancer. The objective of the present study was to compare the oral rub and rinse technique with the conventional exfoliative cytology in the screening of oral malignant and potentially malignant diseases. Materials and Methods: An oral cancer screening program was conducted in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, India. The oral rub and rinse technique was performed on patients who had red/white lesions in the oral mucosa followed by the conventional exfoliative cytology. Scalpel biopsy was performed to confirm for presence or absence of malignancy in cases wherever indicated. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) were used in the present study. Results: A total of 848 subjects were screened for oral cancer and precancer. About 112 participants had premalignant/malignant lesions and biopsy was performed on 30 subjects. Of these, 27.7% were Class I smears, 39.3% were Class II smears, 22.3% were Class III smears, 4.5% were Class IV smears, and 6.2% were unsatisfactory using the conventional technique, whereas the oral rub and rinse technique showed 26.8% Class I smears, 42.9% Class II smears, 19.6% Class III smears, 6.2% Class IV smears, 0.9% Class V smears, and 3.6% unsatisfactory. Conclusion: Although both the techniques could detect malignancy, the oral rub and rinse technique showed better cellular clarity and sample adequacy when compared to conventional exfoliative cytology, which makes it a practical tool in resource-challenged settings.

Endodontic rehabilitation of grossly mutilated teeth is challenging. It requires reconstruction of the tooth under proper isolation before the commencement of the endodontic procedure. The study was designed to assess the 5-year performance of projector system-based endodontic restoration. Two patients diagnosed with pulpal necrosis and chronic periradicular periodontitis were provided with “Projector Endodontic Instrument Guidance System-” (PEIGS) based endodontic treatment. After access cavity preparation, the canals were cleaned, shaped, and further enlarged to receive the projectors with a snug fit after effective etching. The incremental composite buildup was performed in a standardized manner. On successful curing, the files and the projectors were retracted sequentially. This was followed by a conventional root canal therapy. A 5-year follow-up showed an intact tooth structure and patient compliance in both cases. Although a technique sensitive procedure, the PEIGS provides promising results.

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare odontogenic tumor in which there is histological evidence of malignancy in the primary or recurrent tumour, regardless of whether it has metastasized. The accurate diagnosis of this tumour is important as it resembles clinically and histologically a host of other entities. We present a case of ameloblastic carcinoma occuring in 65 years old male and discuss other lesions which may mimic ameloblastic carcinoma.