Digital Dentistry: Advances, Clinical Implications, and Future Perspectives — A Mini Review

Abstract

Digital dentistry is all about bringing together cutting-edge technologies like computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), intraoral scanners, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), 3D printing, artificial intelligence (AI), and computer-assisted implant surgery into seamless clinical workflows. The goal? To boost accuracy, cut down on treatment time, enhance the patient experience, and back up decisions with solid evidence. This mini-review dives into the latest applications, the science behind them, their clinical importance backed by outcome data, and what the future might hold for this exciting field. Notable advancements include better accuracy in full-arch intraoral scanning, proven advantages of both milled and printed complete dentures, and increasing evidence that AI can rival or even surpass traditional methods for detecting cavities in radiographs. Plus, computer-assisted implant surgery—whether it’s static guides, dynamic navigation, or the latest robotic systems—continues to show impressive placement accuracy and at least comparable clinical outcomes to traditional freehand techniques.