Assessing Structural Integrity of Teeth & Implants Using AI and Quantitative Percussion Diagnostics (QPD)

Dr. Cherilyn Sheets is a distinguished educator, clinician, and author, recognized nationally and internationally. She serves as Co-Executive Director of the Newport Coast Oral Facial Institute and Clinical Professor of Restorative Dentistry at USC. Dr. Sheets is a past president of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and American Association of Women Dentists. She holds fellowships in multiple prestigious dental organizations and has received numerous awards, including the Gordon Christensen Award for Excellence in Lecturing and USC’s Alumnus of the Year Award.

A published author of over 100 articles and textbook chapters, Dr. Sheets co-leads dental implant and cracked teeth research at UCI. She is also the founder of The Children’s Dental Center and the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation.

Awards:

• Excellence in Clinical Research Award (2012)
• Honorary Membership in the American College of Prosthodontics (2012)

Clinical:

Esthetic dentistry has transformed modern dental practice, requiring clinicians to not only treat disease and restore function but also enhance the beauty of a patient’s smile. This presentation explores key advancements, including minimally invasive techniques, digital technology, and interdisciplinary approaches, that improve treatment outcomes. While creating lasting rehabilitations is rewarding, the challenges of biomechanics and patient factors highlight the importance of innovation and precision in achieving long-term success. Clinical Learning Objectives:

1. The impact of esthetics on your patient’s expectations.
2. How to sort through the varied treatment options available today.
3. Why mastering biomechanic principles are critical to long term success.
4. A review of basic preparation designs for successful porcelain bonded restorations.
5. The power of enhanced magnification and illumination for dentistry.

Presentation Description:

Quantitative Percussion Diagnostics (QPD) is a mechanical test that accurately evaluates the structural integrity of teeth and dental implants, addressing challenges like cracks, deteriorating restorations, and loss of osseointegration, which are often difficult to detect until significant damage occurs. Supported by over 28 peer-reviewed studies, QPD is a more reliable alternative to traditional visual diagnostics such as radiographs. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to model uncracked and cracked teeth, QPD, along with Al and Machine Learning, enables early detection of structural issues. This predictive diagnostic approach allows for timely interventions, preventing further damage and improving dental care outcomes.

Presentation Learning Objectives:

1. Understand how percussion can be a diagnostic risk assessment aid
2. Know the scientific foundation of QPD
3. Envision the power of AI/ML combined with increasing amounts of QPD DATA
4. Determine the synergistic clinical possibilities of QPD/FEA/AI
5. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience live demonstrations and interaction through testing intact and cracked tooth samples to see the results of Quantitative Percussion Diagnostics in real time.