Perceptive Achieves Milestone with First Fully Automated, AI-Driven Dental Procedure

Artificial intelligence (AI) leader Perceptive has completed the world's first fully automated dental procedure on a human, combining advanced imaging, AI, and robotics to create an industry benchmark, according to a press release from the company.

The Perceptive dental robotics system harnesses AI-driven 3D imaging along with a robotic arm specifically designed to perform dental procedures, initially focusing on restorative dentistry. The system aims to complete tasks like crown placements in 15 minutes, compared to the traditional method requiring 2 office visits of at least 1 hour each.

"We’re excited to successfully complete the world's first fully automated robotic dental procedure," said Dr Chris Ciriello, CEO and Founder of Perceptive, in the press release. "This breakthrough enhances the precision and efficiency of dental procedures and democratizes access to better dental care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes.”

The system uses 3D volumetric data for diagnostics and treatment planning, which is said to allow earlier and more accurate diagnoses. The process starts with an OCT scan of the patient’s tooth and mouth using Perceptive's handheld intraoral scanner, capturing detailed 3D images beneath the gum line. Perceptive’s AI algorithms then analyze the 3D data and plan the procedure with high precision. By automating these procedures, Perceptive enables dentists to diagnose and treat more patients with higher quality care in less time, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing human error.

Stephen E. Thorne IV, Founder and CEO of PDS Health, praised the technology, stating in the press release, "I have seen the promise of Perceptive’s incredible technology firsthand. We are excited to help them operationalize their vision of fully completed dental restorations in minutes."

German Gallucci, Chairman of Restorative Dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, highlighted the technology's accuracy, noting in the press release, "Perceptive’s technology achieves over a 90% accuracy rate for detecting caries without the ionizing radiation associated with traditional X-rays and CBCT scanners."

Edward Zuckerberg, a pioneer in dental technology integration, emphasized the system's safety, stating, "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."

Karim Zaklama, a general dentist and member of Perceptive’s clinical advisory board, added, "The advanced imaging capabilities, particularly the intraoral scanner, provide unparalleled details, enabling us to diagnose issues earlier with greater accuracy and allow us to connect with patients more effectively.”

Perceptive has raised $30 million in funding to date, with leading investors including PDS Health, Dr. Ed Zuckerberg, Innospark Ventures, KdT Ventures, Primavera Capital, Plaisance Capital, and Y Combinator.