The use of artificial intelligence to create a virtual patient for oral and maxillofacial surgical planning

Abstract

The advancement of digital image acquisition technologies in dentistry has facilitated the creation of virtual patients through the integration of two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) images within digital platforms. These images, sourced from technologies such as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), intraoral scanners (IOS), and 3D facial scanners, can be aligned and merged to comprehensively assess the bone structure, gingival and soft tissues, and the dentition. Additionally, 2D clinical photographs are incorporated into the digital project, enhancing aesthetic analysis and planning. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms can also be used to enhance and facilitate 3D image alignment. However, detailed information on digital workflows to work with virtual patients for dental and maxillofacial treatment planning is lacking in the literature. The purpose of this article is to describe a technique to create a virtual patient to assess the relationship between the patient’s soft and hard tissues with the optional use of AI to enhance the quality of 3D-reconstructed models from CBCT. Within the limitations of this study, the technique described herein is suggested to be useful for prosthetically-driven treatment planning of surgical procedures such as crown lengthening, bone grafts and dental implant placement.