An editorial by Dr Ali Nankali

Dr Ali Nankali

Wed. 17 September 2025

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Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from theory into daily prosthodontic practice, reshaping diagnosis, treatment planning and design workflows. My frequent invitations to speak at dental institutes reflect this important shift from concept to clinical reality. Unlike past technological advances, such as CAD/CAM or 3D printing, the current shift is towards intelligent systems¹that interpret clinical data, propose treatment pathways and optimise designs in real time.

“AI today works quietly behind the scenes—not as flashy robotics but as powerful software support.”

Recent developments in both manufacturing and clinical practice highlight the speed of progress. At the annual Planmeca Group meeting this past July in Helsinki in Finland, the company demonstrated how quickly its software and educational programmes have advanced in just a few years—illustrating the accelerating pace of digital dentistry worldwide. On the clinical side, Dentaltech Group has transformed from having no digital infrastructure to having full digital integration within a remarkably short time frame. According to CEO Bevin Mahon, this rapid shift underscores how AI-driven and digital workflows can be successfully adopted when leadership embraces innovation.

Systematic reviews further support AI’s high utility in prosthodontics. For instance, a PRISMA-based systematic review²of more than 3,400 studies found 18 that met inclusion criteria, highlighting AI’s role in improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning and prosthesis design. Similarly, the same review shows that, in implant dentistry, AI already demonstrates nearly 90% accuracy in identifying implants, planning procedures and predicting outcomes using CBCT images.

Nevertheless, AI adoption is not uniform. Many practitioners remain cautious, awaiting more evidence of reliability, user-friendly interfaces and clear training pathways before integrating these tools into their routines.

Current applications of AI in prosthodontics

AI today works quietly behind the scenes—not as flashy robotics but as powerful software support. Such systems are designed to assist, not replace, clinical judgment.

Diagnosis and early detection: AI models identify caries³, fractures and anatomical landmarks in radiographs and CBCT with high sensitivity and speed.

Treatment planning support: Deep learning algorithms assist with planning implant placement⁴and selecting optimal prosthetic designs based on anatomical data.

Design optimisation: By analysing previous successful cases, AI can suggest marginal designs, contours and occlusion adjustments—improving fit and reducing manual effort.

Shade matching: Advanced image analysis tools help clinicians achieve better aesthetic outcomes by accurately matching prosthetic shades.

Complex prosthetic designs: AI models can generate anthropometrically tailored removable or maxillofacial prostheses⁵.

A real-world comparison: AI versus traditional workflows

Early adopters of AI report fewer laboratory remakes and higher patient satisfaction, though oversight remains essential. Consider the example of a patient requiring a removable partial denture and how this case may be managed with AI today:

Traditional workflow: Impressions are taken, bite registration is recorded, the technician is consulted and shape adjustments are done, often requiring multiple visits.

AI-enhanced workflow: Digital scans are uploaded to AI-enabled platforms, which suggest clasp placement, occlusal balance and aesthetic proportions, saving time and improving first-fit outcomes.

Challenges to adoption

From my engagements and conference presentations, here are the key barriers:

Training pathway: Clinicians frequently inquire about the time required to become proficient, and the availability of accessible, hands-on training opportunities.

Cost and return on investment: Clinicians question whether the investment in AI-enabled tools will deliver significant financial value.

Reliability concerns: Clinicians seek robust evidence that AI-driven decisions are consistent and accurate.

Many clinicians find the transition to AI-supported workflows more intuitive than anticipated. In my practice, I was taught how to use AI-integrated systems, and now workflows that once took hours are completed far quicker. The system becomes part of the workflow, encouraging usage by removing friction.

“Early adopters of AI report fewer laboratory remakes and higher patient satisfaction.”

The irreplaceable human factor

AI may analyse images in seconds, but it cannot empathise, counsel or adapt to patient-specific circumstances. While an algorithm might propose a theoretically ideal prosthesis design, only a human clinician can determine whether that solution best fits a patient’s unique needs, preferences and treatment goals. AI is a valuable assistant, but the compassionate, ethical and context-aware clinician must always remain in control.

Over the next five years, I anticipate these advancements:

Occlusion prediction models: AI simulations that predict long-term wear and loading patterns;

Patient-specific simulations: interactive mock-ups for patients to visualise outcomes before treatment;

Real-time chairside AI: real-time suggestions during preparation or prosthetic delivery;

Cross-platform integration: seamless connection between design software, imaging systems and practice management;

Emerging technologies: perhaps AI interfaces, augmented reality or algorithmic triage systems—some things we have yet to imagine.

AI as a tool, not a replacement

AI in prosthodontics is already a practical tool, not a distant promise. It saves time, refines workflows and improves patient outcomes. Yet its greatest value lies in how clinicians choose to adopt and oversee it—using AI as an aid, never as a replacement.

My advice to colleagues is to stay curious and informed. Seek out hands-on training to build confidence in working with new technologies. Always retain human control, allowing AI to augment your expertise. Together, we can harness AI to shape the future of prosthodontic care, elevating what we offer without compromising who we are.

Editorial note:

The complete list of references can be found here.