Virtual visions: Augmented reality’s future impact on the dental world

Title : Virtual visions: Augmented reality’s future impact on the dental world

Abstract:

Among the most revolutionary changes in the field of technology and medicine, augmented reality is phenomenal. AR is defined as a live direct or indirect view of a physical environment whose elements are augmented by the fusion of computer-generated and real-time images. The complexity and need for precision in head and neck imaging demands next level approach for surgical treatment planning. Augmented reality can provide data beyond current advanced CT, MR imaging techniques. The working of AR in head and neck region consists of capturing the patient in 2D and 3D and reconstruction databases. With HoloLens camera, depth sensor and self-localization achieved through monitor. The resultant image projected through Optimal see through head mounted display (OST-HMD). The application runs through 50-60-frames/sec.

AR has been applied in clinical scenario such as shape, extend, spatial location of the tumor, with respect to bone, vital structures in surgical planning, providing immediate information about shape and extent of the pathology by looking at planar size at multiple orientations. AR can be used in mock surgeries using model, prior to orthognathic surgery. AR has been used for training the future dentists conceptualize complex anatomy of head and neck inner ear, maxillary sinus - teeth anatomy, nasal anatomy, etc. AR has been successfully used in head and neck imaging and surgical planning, among esteemed universities in the world - University of Alabama in February 2023. This review presentation will include case scenarios, where augmented reality has been used successfully and its potential future applications. This reviews the impact and most recent pathways for dentistry since a augmented reality program - Medivis  is the First to Receive FDA Clearance for Augmented Reality Navigation in Neurosurgery as of December 2025.

Biography:

Dr. Durgadevi is an enthusiastic Oral Physician and Maxillofacial Radiologist from India. She completed her BDS from Mahe Institute of Dental Sciences, Mahe, Pondicherry, graduating in 2017 as a Gold Medalist in all five years and was honored as “Best Outgoing Student of the Batch.” Immediately after graduation, she pursued her MDS in Oral Medicine and Radiology at Mahatma Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences (Government Dental College), where she developed a strong foundation in patient care, academics, and research. During her postgraduate training, she actively engaged in research and has published scientific papers in the field. Dr. Durgadevi is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Mahatma Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Dental Sciences (Government Dental College). She has also completed advanced international lecture series, including “Case Studies in Orofacial Pain and Headache” and “Interprofessional Headache and Orofacial Pain Rounds,” conducted by the American Dental Association, Harvard University, and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. With over four years of academic and clinical experience, her current area of interest includes fractal analysis in maxillofacial radiology and the application of artificial intelligence in dentistry, focusing on improving treatment precision and clinical efficiency rather than diagnosis alone.