Computer-Aided Techniques in Dentistry

Dear Colleagues,

Technological advancements have significantly transformed dentistry, shaping the way interventions are performed. Computer technologies—including digital imaging, intraoral scanning, CAD/CAM technologies, and artificial intelligence—can improve the predictability of treatment outcomes and may reduce the risk of complications.

Intraoral scans (IOSs) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) are the primary sources of digital diagnostic data, serving as the foundation for most computer-aided treatment approaches. Prosthodontics and dental implantology are the fields that most commonly utilize digital methods, with computer-aided solutions becoming the standard of care for specific applications, such as full-arch implant rehabilitation. Other areas, such as endodontics, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and periodontology, are also increasingly adopting these techniques.

Currently utilized standard digital processes can be further refined through advancements in radiographic image reconstruction, 3D data processing, artificial intelligence, and virtual treatment simulations. Creating a “digital twin” of the patient—which includes detailed data on orofacial hard and soft tissues—enables even more precise digital treatment planning. This enhanced approach could provide clinicians with a comprehensive view of the patient’s anatomy and pathomorphology.

The digital transformation of most dental treatment processes is inevitable. At present, we are in a state of innovation where novel computer-aided planning and treatment solutions are gradually emerging. However, in many cases, there is still a lack of sufficient clinical evidence and understanding of their long-term effects. We are therefore interested in manuscripts that focus on the application of novel computer-aided technologies in dentistry. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advances in digital dental radiography;
• Intraoral scanning for treatment planning;
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analysis and treatment planning;
• Computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) for dental prothetics and restorative dentistry;
• Full digital workflows in dental implantology;
• Virtual surgical planning and simulation in oral and maxillofacial surgery;
• The role of computer-aided technologies in orthodontics including clear aligners, treatment simulation and progress tracking;
• Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications in dentistry;
• Computer-aided periodontal diagnostics and treatment planning;
• Digital twin models and their application;
• Digital workflows in multidisciplinary treatment approaches;
• Tele-dentistry and remote monitoring;
• Robotics in dentistry;
• Long-term outcomes and cost effectiveness;
• Ethical and practical challenges in the adoption of computer-aided techniques;
• Regulatory standards and future directions for digital dentistry.

Dr. Daniel Palkovics
Dr. Balint Molnar
Dr. Judit Borbély
Guest Editors

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• computer-aided techniques
• digital dentistry
• intraoral scanning
• radiographic image processing
• artificial intelligence
• deep learning
• guided implant surgery
• digital twin
• CAD/CAM
• digital workflow