We understand how discerning patients are when they are looking for dental treatment. In 2025, meeting patients’ needs means harnessing the latest technologies available to improve their experience.
At Meliora Dental, we’ve invested in the state-of-the-art Pearl AI system. This AI-powered assistant is revolutionising case presentation, efficiency and accuracy in our practice. This software has been indispensable for improving what we can offer our patients.
Before we delve into detail about Pearl and its uses, here’s a swift breakdown to introduce you to dentistry’s first-ever FDA-approved AI system (underpinned by decades of research).
Using the AI Pearl system helps dentists to identify conditions from a very early stage, and to show patients a colour-coded diagram of the damage sustained to their teeth.
Without AI and using just a simple grey image of a traditional X-ray, it can be almost impossible to really highlight to patients that dental work is needed. One of the biggest challenges is convincing patients that they do indeed need a given treatment and that avoiding treatment will lead to worsening problems (decay or infections, for example).
Using Pearl’s accurate colour-coded visuals, we can show you exactly where the decay is on your teeth, how much of it is present, and which parts of the tooth are affected (the enamel or dentin).
Imparting this knowledge helps patients to make an informed choice on a given treatment, and without having to take their dentists’ word for the fact that they need restorative dental treatment.
Another use of the Pearl AI system is to show patients that the damage identified at their last appointment has worsened.
At Meliora Dental, the Pearl system has led to a greater treatment take-up from patients – patients understand that treatment should be a need, rather than a want.
The Pearl system can accurately highlight how the damage has progressed since your last appointment, giving you the incentive to invest in your dental health and ultimately, your overall well-being.
Dental problems such as decay and gum disease start so small that it can be very easy for your dentist to miss, even if they’re using high-spec loupes when examining you.
Pearl takes the guesswork out of diagnosing problems right from the start.
Using AI algorithms, Pearl can analyse gum measurements on X-rays and scans, showing you how gum disease is affecting your gum and underlying bone.
A word from Dr Kunal Rai (Principal Dentist at Meliora Dental).
“As someone who did their undergraduate degree in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, I’m incredibly excited to see how AI has already changed the landscape of dentistry.
This said, dentistry performed by machines and without human interaction does not represent clinical care. Devices cannot provide clinical intuition or empathy, which is essential to personalised care and professionalism.
I believe patients will always want and need the empathy a clinician has to offer, and that AI will be used as a tool to enhance patient care, and help them better understand their condition and the importance of making lifestyle choices to reverse this, whether it’s decay, gum disease, or any other condition threatening their oral health in the short and long term.”
If you’re looking for a private dentist in Leeds, we currently have the capacity to take on new patients throughout January 2025.
Simply contact our friendly reception team to become a member. We look forward to supporting you with your dental care.
BACK TO BLOG