A dentist uses AI to predict cavity progression, which grows at 3.5% per month. If a patient starts with 0.4 mm deep decay, what will the depth be after 6 months of unchecked growth?

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 15:09:08 +0000

**How A Dentist Uses AI to Predict Cavity Progression—Clarifying Growth Patterns and What It Really Means** In a time when dental care is increasingly tied to predictive technology, a growing number of U.S. patients are discovering how artificial intelligence helps track cavity progression in real time. What once seemed like speculative futurism now stands solidly in early-stage clinical trials—AI models that estimate how early tooth decay advances when left unmonitored. This shift isn’t just technological; it’s reshaping how patients understand their oral health and engage with dental professionals. With cavity growth accelerating at 3.5% monthly when untreated, knowing what 6 months of unchecked decay means matters more than ever. The rise of AI in dentistry reflects a broader trend: preventive care powered by data. As tools become more accessible, adults across the U.S. are seeking clearer insights into their dental risk—especially given the 3.5% monthly spike in decay when caught early. This demand fuels interest in advancements that turn static measures like 0.4 mm of decay into dynamic trajectories, helping patients grasp the urgency before irreversible damage occurs. Using a validated growth model, researchers analyze how pocket depth increases monthly without intervention. Starting at 0.4 mm, untreated cavities tend to progress steadily—compounded monthly at 3.5%—leading to measurable increases in depth over time. After six months, this growth translates roughly to 0.72 mm, meaning a total decay depth approaching 1.12 mm. While this outcome depends on individual factors like oral hygiene and diet, the projection underscores why consistent dental check-ups remain critical.