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The use of mixed reality in dentistry

British Dental Journal volume 233, pages 261–265 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) was first described in the literature in the 1990s. It has been shown as a futuristic concept in television, film and media, and now in the twenty-first century has become a reality. AR is defined as an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the object that resides in the real world is enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information.

Microsoft HoloLens is a mixed reality device which has the capability to provide a real-time, three-dimensional platform using multiple sensors and holographic processing to display information and even simulate a virtual world. With rapidly evolving technology and virtual learning on the increase, the HoloLens technology can be used as a vital tool for dental education and surgical planning. However, within dentistry at present, there is limited research regarding its benefits and potential.

The authors would like to demonstrate the use of HoloLens in three common oral surgery procedures and how it can be used to distinguish anatomy and benefit surgical planning, aid in patient communication and play a role in dental education.

Key points

  • Mixed reality is technology that allows the virtual world and real world to coexist where objects can be manipulated in real time.

  • Mixed reality devices can be used as part of surgical planning and education within dentistry.

  • Mixed reality can provide a novel concept in the consent process for patients undergoing dental treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral Surgery, Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, University College London Hospitals, 47–49 Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DG, UK

    Jessica Blanchard & Sonita Koshal

  2. Department of Radiology, University College London Hospitals, 235 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, UK

    Simon Morley

  3. Head and Neck Academic Centre, Department for Targeted Intervention, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG, UK

    Mark McGurk

Authors
  1. Jessica Blanchard
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  2. Sonita Koshal
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  4. Mark McGurk
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Contributions

Jessica Blanchard and Sonita Koshal: conception and design of article, acquisition and analysis of data and drafting of article and critical revision. Simon Morley: acquisition and analysis of data. Mark McGurk: conception and design of article and drafting of article and critical revision.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jessica Blanchard.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Participants consented to participate and to have their data used as part of the research. Participants provided written consent to publish.

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Cite this article

Blanchard, J., Koshal, S., Morley, S. et al. The use of mixed reality in dentistry. Br Dent J 233, 261–265 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-4451-z

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