AI-Powered Dental Robot Completes

First Automated Procedure in History

In a historic milestone for dental technology, Boston-based startup Perceptive has completed the world’s first fully automated dental procedure using its AI-powered robot. This breakthrough not only improves procedural precision but also enhances access to quality dental care.

Perceptive’s FDA-approved system uses AI-driven 3D imaging software to guide a robotic arm for dental operations. The robot can replace dental crowns in just 15 minutes far faster than the traditional two-visit approach. In addition to its speed, the system identifies dental and gum issues with exceptional accuracy.

The robot performs optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans using a handheld intraoral scanner. This tool captures 3D images, including those beneath the gum line, offering detailed insights into oral health. Patients can also view these scans in real-time, improving their understanding of treatment needs.

AI algorithms analyze the scan data to plan the treatment. Then, a specially designed robotic arm equipped with dental tools executes the procedure with minimal human intervention. This automation helps dentists treat more patients in less time while maintaining high standards of care.

Chris Ciriello, Perceptive’s founder and CEO, stated, “This medical breakthrough enhances precision and efficiency of dental procedures and democratizes access to better dental care, improving patient experience and clinical outcomes.”

According to German Gallucci, chair of restorative dentistry at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, “Perceptive’s technology achieves over a 90% accuracy rate for detecting caries without the ionising radiation used in traditional X-rays and CBCT scanners. This offers safer and more precise diagnoses.”

Compared to conventional 2D X-rays, which have only around 40% accuracy, Perceptive’s AI system dramatically improves diagnostic capabilities.

So far, Perceptive has raised $30 million from investors, including Y Combinator, PDS Health, and dentist Ed Zuckerberg father of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Ed Zuckerberg emphasized, “Perceptive’s robotic system was developed and tested extensively to ensure safety, especially in environments with limited patient mobility. Their commitment to delivering reliable and efficient dental care through technology is commendable.”