Effects of artificial intelligence‐assisted dental monitoring intervention in patients with periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract Aim To evaluate the effects of an at‐home artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted dental monitoring application on treatment outcomes in patients with periodontitis. Materials and Methods Participants with periodontitis were recruited and randomly assigned to an AI ( n = 16), AI and human counselling (AIHC; n = 17), or control (CG; n = 20) group. All participants received non‐surgical periodontal treatment. We employed an AI‐assisted tool called DENTAL MONITORING® (DM) intervention, a new technological AI monitoring product that utilizes smartphone cameras for intra‐oral scanning and assessment. Patients in the AI and AIHC groups received additional (a) DM or (b) DM, respectively, with real‐person counselling over 3 months. Periodontal parameters were collected at baseline and follow‐ups. A mixed‐design model analysed the follow‐up effects over time. Results The AI and AIHC groups, respectively, exhibited greater improvement in probing pocket depth (PPD) (mean diff = −0.9 ± 0.4 and −1.4 ± 0.3, effect size [ES] = 0.76 and 1.98), clinical attachment level (mean diff = −0.8 ± 0.3 and −1.4 ± 0.3, ES = 0.84 and 1.77), and plaque index (mean diff = −0.5 ± 0.2 and − 0.7 ± 0.2, ES = 0.93 and 1.81) at 3‐month follow‐up than the CG did. The AIHC group had a greater reduction in PPD (ES = 0.46) and clinical attachment level (ES = 0.64) at the 3‐month follow‐up compared with the AI group. Conclusions Using AI monitoring at home had a positive effect on treatment outcomes for patients with periodontitis. Patients who received AI‐assisted health counselling exhibited better treatment outcomes than did patients who received AI monitoring alone.