Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry: Current Applications, Future Perspectives, and Challenges

This narrative review examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern dentistry, covering its applications across diagnosis, radiology, orthodontics, implantology, and restorative/prosthetic care. It highlights how deep learning models — particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs) — are being used to detect caries, assess periodontal bone loss, analyze radiographs, support cephalometric analysis, plan implant placement, and improve CAD/CAM workflows. The paper outlines key benefits such as increased diagnostic accuracy, reduced human error, and more efficient clinical workflows, while also addressing major limitations including data quality issues, ethical and privacy concerns, the need for clinical validation, and the continued importance of human oversight in final decision-making. It concludes that AI holds strong potential to enhance the quality, efficiency, and accessibility of dental care, provided it is implemented responsibly as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for clinicians