A robot has completed the world’s first fully automated dental procedure on a human.
Using robotic arms, 3D-imaging and artificial intelligence, the dental work was carried out using technology that has never been seen before.
The technology – created by US-based company Perceptive – has been successful in tests so far, but scientists say they hope the robot’s ability will continue to develop.
Perceptive said it wants the technology to become “more accurate and faster in completing procedures”, including fillings and crowns, before it will be ready to be used routinely on patients.
Chief executive and founder of the company, Dr Chris Ciriello, said: "This medical breakthrough enhances precision and efficiency of dental procedures."
The company received $30m (£23.5m) in funding and is backed by dentist Edward Zuckerberg, the father of Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg.
The firm claims that, in the future, crown placements could be completed in just 15 minutes, which they say compares to the current method which needs “two-hour long” visits to the dentist.
The robot’s dental procedure begins with a 3D scan of a patient's tooth and mouth, capturing images beneath the gum line much easier than X-rays do now.
The robotic device is still in its very early days and will not be used among high street dentists anytime soon, but the company insist the technology is already safe to use and will eventually “transform dentistry” as we know it.
Dr Ciriello explained: "We’re excited to successfully complete the world's first fully automated robotic dental procedure. This medical breakthrough enhances precision and efficiency of dental procedures, and democratises access to better dental care, for improved patient experience and clinical outcomes."
The company says it's tested the device on a patient in Colombia, but has yet to release any peer-reviewed clinical data.
The company will need this data to apply for Food and Drug Administration approval, something that is still around five years away, the company said.
