How We Use Advanced Technology at Summerlin Dental Solutions

 

You’ve probably heard that artificial intelligence is changing healthcare. But is it actually changing your dental appointment? At most dental practices in Las Vegas, the honest answer is no. Most dentists still read X-rays the same way they did 20 years ago: a human eye scanning a grayscale image on a screen, relying entirely on clinical experience to spot the subtle shadows that signal a cavity, the barely-visible bone loss that indicates early gum disease, or the hairline fracture hiding beneath an old filling.

 

At Summerlin Dental Solutions, the answer is different. Dr. Marianne Cohan was one of the first dentists in the Summerlin and Las Vegas area to integrate FDA-cleared AI-assisted radiology into her diagnostic workflow. When your X-rays are taken at our office, they’re analyzed not just by a dentist with over 30 years of experience and 19 Best of Las Vegas awards, they’re simultaneously analyzed by an AI system trained on millions of dental radiographs. The AI highlights potential cavities, bone loss, infections, and anomalies in color-coded overlays, giving Dr. Cohan a second opinion on every single image before she makes a treatment recommendation.

 

But AI is only one piece of the advanced technology stack at Summerlin Dental Solutions. This guide walks you through exactly how AI-assisted dentistry works, what it can and cannot do, and how it fits into the complete technology ecosystem,  including 3D CBCT imaging, digital scanning, smile design software, and laser dentistry,  that protects your family’s oral health with a level of precision most practices simply cannot match.

🧠 Want to See What AI-Assisted Dentistry Looks Like? Call (702) 341-9160 or book a free virtual consultation at dentalsolutionslv.com/virtual-consultation

 

How AI-Assisted Dentistry Actually Works (No Hype, Just Facts)

Let’s cut through the marketing buzzwords. Here’s what AI actually does during your dental appointment at Summerlin Dental Solutions, and what it does not do.

What Happens When Your X-Rays Are Taken

When our team takes your digital X-rays,  whether bitewing images during a routine preventive care visit or a full set of periapical radiographs for a comprehensive evaluation, those images are automatically processed by our FDA-cleared AI system in real time. In just a few seconds, the software looks closely at your X-ray, checking details like the thickness of different areas, the edges between enamel and dentin, the bone levels around each tooth, and the condition of any current dental work. The system then produces a color-coded overlay that highlights areas of concern:

What the AI Flags	What It Means for You
Early-Stage Cavities (Caries)	The AI identifies subtle radiolucencie,  tiny shadows in tooth structure,  that indicate decay is forming before it becomes visible to the naked eye. Catching cavities at this stage means smaller, less invasive fillings instead of large restorations or crowns.
Bone Loss (Periodontal Disease)	The system measures the distance from the bone crest to each tooth’s landmark points, identifying early bone loss with sub-millimeter precision. Early gum disease detection means treatment can begin before you lose permanent tooth support.
Periapical Pathology (Infections)	AI flags dark areas at the root tips of teeth that may indicate infection, abscesses, or cysts. These problems often develop silently, you feel nothing until the infection becomes severe. AI catches them earlier.
Calculus (Hardened Plaque)	The AI identifies deposits of calculus above and below the gum line that contribute to gum disease progression, helping target deep cleaning efforts precisely where they’re needed.
Failed or Compromised Restorations	Existing fillings, crowns, or restorations with gaps, open margins, or decay forming underneath are highlighted. This prevents the scenario where a failing restoration goes unnoticed until the tooth breaks or needs a root canal.
Root Fractures and Anomalies	Structural issues in tooth roots that might otherwise require referral for specialist imaging can often be caught on standard X-rays when AI provides the additional analysis layer.

 

📷  BEFORE & AFTER IMAGE The image shows a side-by-side comparison of a standard X-ray and an AI-analyzed X-ray, with color-coded overlays that highlight the early detection of cavities.

 

What AI Does NOT Do

This is equally important to understand. AI-assisted radiology at Summerlin Dental Solutions is not a replacement for Dr. Cohan’s clinical judgment. The AI does not diagnose. It does not prescribe treatment. It does not make decisions about your care. What it does is act as an extraordinarily precise second set of eyes that processes every pixel of every image against a database of millions of annotated radiographs. Dr. Cohan then combines the AI’s findings with her visual examination, your symptoms, your medical history, and her 30+ years of clinical experience to make the final diagnostic and treatment decisions.

 

Think of it this way: even the most experienced radiologist benefits from a second opinion. That’s what AI provides, an instant, consistent, fatigue-proof second opinion on every single X-ray, every single appointment, for every single patient. According to published research, AI systems in dentistry have demonstrated pooled sensitivity of 0.85 and specificity of 0.90 across more than 29,000 diagnostic evaluations, meaning these systems reliably detect problems and accurately identify the absence of issues.

Why Early Detection Changes Everything for Your Wallet and Your Teeth

The single biggest financial and clinical advantage of AI-assisted dentistry is catching problems when they’re small. Here’s what that looks like in real dollar terms and real treatment outcomes:

Problem	Caught Early (with AI)	Caught Late (without AI)
Small Cavity	Minimal filling $150–$300, one visit, 15 minutes in the chair, tooth structure preserved	Crown or root canal $700–$2,500+, multiple visits, significant tooth structure lost
Early Gum Disease	Deep cleaning + improved home care  $200–$400, reversible at this stage	Surgical intervention + possible tooth loss  $1,500–$5,000+, may need implants to replace lost teeth
Periapical Infection	Root canal before symptoms  $700–$1,200, save the tooth	Emergency extraction + implant  $3,000–$6,000+, swelling, pain, possible ER visit
Failing Restoration	Replace filling or recement crown  $150–$400, one visit	Tooth fractures or develops deep decay $1,200–$3,000+ for crown, root canal, or extraction

 

Every row in that table illustrates the same principle: the sooner you identify a dental issue, the easier the solution, the lower the expense, and the more natural tooth structure you retain. AI-assisted radiology does not guarantee you’ll avoid needing a crown or root canal,  but it dramatically improves the odds of catching problems when a simple filling or a deep cleaning is all that’s needed. And that’s a fundamentally different dental experience from the one most Las Vegas patients are used to.

 

 

The Complete Technology Ecosystem at Summerlin Dental Solutions

AI-assisted radiology is powerful on its own, but its real value multiplies when it’s part of a connected technology ecosystem. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, every diagnostic and treatment tool works together to give Dr. Cohan the most complete picture of your oral health available anywhere in the Las Vegas valley. Here’s how each technology contributes, and how they work together:

Technology	What It Does	How It Connects to AI
AI-Assisted Radiology	FDA-cleared AI analyzes every digital X-ray in real time, producing color-coded overlays that flag cavities, bone loss, infections, calculus, and failing restorations. Trained on millions of dental radiographs.	This IS the AI layer. It provides the foundational analysis that informs every treatment decision. Acts as Dr. Cohan’s second set of eyes on every image.
3D CBCT Scanner	Cone Beam Computed Tomography produces a complete 3D image of your teeth, jaw, nerves, and bone in a single scan that takes seconds. Shows depth, angles, and relationships that flat X-rays cannot.	When AI flags a potential issue on a 2D X-ray,  a suspicious shadow at a root tip, possible bone loss , the 3D CBCT provides the volumetric detail to confirm or rule out the finding. Together, they eliminate guesswork.
TRIOS® Digital Scanner	Replaces putty impressions with a precise 3D digital model of your teeth. Used for crowns, veneers, Invisalign, and other restorations. Faster, more comfortable, and more accurate.	Once AI + 3D imaging identify what needs treatment, the TRIOS® scanner ensures the restoration fits perfectly. Digital precision from diagnosis through fabrication.
Smile Design Software	Maps ideal tooth shape, size, and color onto a photo of your face. Lets you preview cosmetic results before committing to treatment.	AI identifies structural issues; smile design shows how the corrected result will look. Patients see the “before” (AI-flagged problems) and the “after” (digitally designed solution) in one consultation.
Laser Dentistry	Soft tissue laser for gum contouring, frenectomies, abscess drainage, and minor procedures. Minimal bleeding, no stitches, faster healing.	When AI detects gum disease or soft tissue issues, laser treatment provides the minimally invasive solution. Precise diagnosis leads to precise, conservative treatment.

 

You can explore each technology in detail on our advanced technology page. The key takeaway: these tools are not independent luxuries. They form an integrated diagnostic and treatment system that produces better outcomes with less guesswork, less chair time, and less discomfort than traditional approaches.

🔬 See the Technology in Action Schedule a consultation and experience AI-assisted diagnosis firsthand. Call (702) 341-9160 or visit dentalsolutionslv.com/virtual-consultation

 

How AI Improves Specific Dental Treatments You May Need

AI-assisted diagnostics don’t just affect your X-ray review. They ripple through every treatment decision. Here’s how the technology impacts the most common procedures at Summerlin Dental Solutions:

Preventive Care and Cleanings

During your regular preventive care visit, AI analysis of your X-rays catches developing problems before symptoms appear. Combined with Dr. Cohan’s clinical exam, this means your cleaning appointment is also a comprehensive diagnostic screening. Small cavities are identified before they become large ones. Early bone loss is measured before gum disease advances. Your prevention plan becomes data-driven rather than based on guesswork.

Fillings and Restorations

When AI catches a cavity early, fillings stay small and conservative. The procedure involves less drilling, preserves more of the natural tooth, and results in a quicker appointment. The AI also monitors existing restorations for signs of failure, open margins, recurrent decay, and internal gaps,  so Dr. Cohan can proactively replace a failing filling or crown before it becomes an emergency.

Gum Disease Treatment

AI measures bone levels to identify gum disease progression with precision, often detecting changes between visits that would be difficult to spot visually. When AI confirms bone loss, Dr. Cohan can recommend targeted deep cleaning and ongoing monitoring in the specific areas where disease is active, rather than a generalized approach that may miss the worst areas or over-treat healthy ones.

📷   Gum disease caught early with AI bone-level measurement,  treated with deep cleaning, healthy tissue restored  “Gum disease early detection AI dentist Las Vegas treatment”

 

Veneers, Smile Makeovers, and Cosmetic Dentistry

Before veneers or a smile makeover can be placed, the underlying teeth must be healthy. AI analysis ensures no hidden cavities, infections, or bone loss are lurking beneath the surface. This prevents the expensive scenario of placing beautiful veneers on teeth that have undiagnosed problems, problems that would eventually compromise the entire restoration. Combined with smile design software, patients go from AI-confirmed diagnosis to previewing their new smile in a single consultation.

Implants, All-on-4, and Complex Restorative Work

For patients considering dental implants, All-on-4, or full mouth reconstruction, AI analysis of X-rays combined with 3D CBCT imaging provides the most comprehensive pre-surgical assessment available. AI flags bone density issues, identifies nerve pathways, and maps root structures all critical data for planning implant placement. The result is more predictable outcomes, fewer surprises during surgery, and faster healing.

Orthodontics and Invisalign

Before starting Invisalign (currently $500 off new cases), AI analysis ensures there are no underlying conditions that should be treated first. The TRIOS® scanner then captures the digital impression that drives the Invisalign treatment plan, while 3D CBCT imaging verifies root positions and bone support. This technology-first approach to orthodontics reduces the risk of complications mid-treatment.

Traditional Dentistry vs. AI-Assisted Dentistry: What’s Different About Your Appointment?

If you’ve only ever been to a traditional dental practice, here’s a side-by-side comparison of what a typical appointment looks like:

Appointment Step	Traditional Practice	Summerlin Dental Solutions (AI)
X-Ray Review	Dentist reviews grayscale images on screen. Analysis depends entirely on the dentist’s experience and attention. No second opinion.	AI analyzes every image instantly, producing color-coded overlays. Dr. Cohan reviews AI findings alongside her own clinical assessment. Built-in second opinion on every image.
Impressions	Messy putty trays that can gag patients and produce less precise models.	TRIOS® digital scanner captures a precise 3D model in minutes. No putty, no gagging, more accurate.
Complex Imaging	Referral to an imaging center for a CT scan. Additional appointment, additional cost, days of waiting.	In-house 3D CBCT scan in seconds. Results available immediately, integrated with AI analysis.
Cosmetic Planning	“Trust me, it’ll look great.” Patient hopes for the best.	Smile design software previews exact results on a photo of your face. You approve before any work begins.
Soft Tissue Work	Scalpel, sutures, longer healing time.	Soft tissue laser. Minimal bleeding, no stitches, faster healing.
Diagnostic Consistency	Varies by dentist’s fatigue, schedule, and experience on that day.	AI is consistent on every image, every time, regardless of time of day or case volume. No fatigue, no variability.

 

The difference isn’t just about having better gadgets. It’s about a fundamentally more thorough, more consistent, and more transparent diagnostic experience. When you can see the AI-highlighted areas on your own X-ray — in color, with clear labels — you understand exactly why Dr. Cohan recommends a specific treatment. That transparency builds trust and eliminates the “do I really need this?” doubt that patients feel at practices where they’re shown nothing.

📷   Dr. Cohan is reviewing the findings with the patient on the patient consultation screen, which displays the AI overlay. “AI X-ray overlay patient consultation advanced dental technology Summerlin”

 

Does AI-Assisted Dentistry Cost More? What You’ll Pay at Summerlin Dental Solutions

Here’s the best part: AI-assisted radiology at Summerlin Dental Solutions is not an add-on charge. It’s built into every exam and diagnostic appointment as standard practice. You don’t pay extra for the AI analysis, the 3D CBCT when it’s clinically indicated, or the digital scanning. These are tools Dr. Cohan uses because they produce better outcomes ,  not because they’re a revenue center.

 

For treatment that AI helps identify, Summerlin Dental Solutions offers multiple financing options to ensure cost never stands between you and the care you need:

Financing Option	Details
CareCredit	0% interest for 12 months on qualifying purchases. Apply in minutes, instant decision. A $600 crown becomes $50/month. Usable for any procedure — fillings, crowns, veneers, implants, Invisalign, and more.
HFD (Healthcare Finance Direct)	Near-100% approval rate with no credit score impact. Application under 3 minutes. Flexible monthly payments for patients with limited or no credit history.
Insurance + Financing	Insurance covers its portion (preventive care typically at 80–100%, basic procedures at 50–80%); CareCredit or HFD handles the remaining balance at 0% for 12 months.
In-House Payment Plans	For larger treatment plans, we work directly with patients on payment arrangements that fit their timeline and budget.

 

We accept most major dental insurance plans. Visit our insurance information page for details, or call (702) 341-9160, and our team will verify your benefits before your first appointment.

💳 AI Analysis Is Included. No Extra Charge CareCredit: 0% for 12 months • HFD: Near-100% approval • Most insurance accepted Call (702) 341-9160 to schedule your first AI-assisted exam

 

Why Dr. Cohan and Summerlin Dental Solutions for AI-Assisted Dentistry

✓ 30+ Years of Clinical Experience, Enhanced by Technology Technology without experience is noise. Dr. Cohan graduated from the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and has spent three decades diagnosing and treating every condition AI is designed to detect. She understands when the AI confirms her suspicion, when it reveals something she wants to investigate further, and when a finding is clinically insignificant. This combination of human mastery and machine precision is what makes AI-assisted dentistry actually work.

✓ 4.9 Google Rating and 19 Best of Las Vegas Awards Patients trust Dr. Cohan. She’s been voted Best Dentist and Best Cosmetic Dentist in Summerlin/Las Vegas more than any other dentist in Nevada. She holds an A+ BBB rating with zero complaints. Read patient reviews to see why families stay for decades.

✓ Full-Spectrum Care Under One Roof When AI identifies a problem, you don’t get referred elsewhere. Dr. Cohan handles fillings, crowns, extractions, veneers, implants, All-on-4, Invisalign, smile makeovers, full mouth reconstruction, sedation dentistry, and emergency care — all in one Summerlin office.

✓ Convenient Summerlin Location 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145, near Tivoli Village, Boca Park, and Downtown Summerlin. Easy access from the 215 Beltway and Summerlin Parkway. Mon–Thu 8 AM–5 PM, Fri 8 AM–2 PM. View directions.

 

📷  In this comprehensive case, AI detected multiple early issues, which were treated conservatively, resulting in a long-term healthy outcome. “AI-assisted comprehensive dental care before after results Summerlin”

 

 

10 Frequently Asked Questions About AI-Assisted Dentistry

Q: What is AI-assisted dentistry?

A: AI-assisted dentistry uses FDA-cleared artificial intelligence software to analyze dental X-rays in real time. The AI is trained on millions of radiographic images and highlights potential cavities, bone loss, infections, calculus, and failing restorations in color-coded overlays. It acts as a second set of eyes alongside your dentist’s clinical examination. Learn more on our advanced technology page.

Q: Is AI replacing my dentist?

A: No. AI is a diagnostic support tool, not a replacement for clinical judgment. At Summerlin Dental Solutions, Dr. Cohan reviews every AI analysis alongside her own clinical exam, your medical history, and her 30+ years of experience before making any treatment recommendation. The AI provides information; Dr. Cohan makes the decisions.

Q: Is the AI system FDA-cleared?

A: Yes. The AI radiology system used at Summerlin Dental Solutions is FDA-cleared under the 510(k) pathway, the same regulatory process used for all medical imaging devices in the United States. As of mid-2025, there were 44 FDA-cleared AI dental imaging products on the market, reflecting the maturity and clinical validation of this technology.

Q: Does AI-assisted dentistry cost extra at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

A: No. AI analysis is included as standard practice in every diagnostic appointment. You do not pay an add-on fee for the AI, the 3D CBCT imaging (when clinically indicated), or the digital scanning. These technologies are part of how we practice dentistry, not an upsell. Visit our financing page for cost details on treatments AI may identify.

Q: Can AI really catch cavities that a dentist might miss?

A: Published research across more than 29,000 diagnostic evaluations shows that AI systems detect early-stage cavities with pooled sensitivity of approximately 0.85 and specificity of 0.90. AI is particularly effective at identifying interproximal cavities  decay forming between teeth which are among the most commonly missed findings on standard X-ray review. The combination of AI analysis and Dr. Cohan’s clinical exam provides the highest level of diagnostic accuracy available.

Q: How does AI help with gum disease detection?

A: AI measures bone levels around each tooth with sub-millimeter precision, identifying early gum disease progression that might not yet be visible or symptomatic. Early detection means deep cleaning and conservative treatment can be initiated before permanent bone loss occurs.

Q: What other technology does Summerlin Dental Solutions use beyond AI?

A: Our technology ecosystem includes 3D CBCT imaging (full jaw visualization in seconds), TRIOS® digital scanner (no putty impressions), smile design software (preview cosmetic results before treatment), and soft tissue laser (minimally invasive procedures with faster healing). These tools work together with AI to provide comprehensive diagnosis and precise treatment. Full details on our advanced technology page.

Q: Does my dental insurance cover AI-assisted appointments?

A: Yes,  because AI is included in your standard exam, not billed separately. Your insurance covers the exam and X-rays as it normally would. If the AI identifies treatment needs, insurance coverage depends on the procedure. Most plans cover preventive care at 80–100% and basic procedures like fillings at 50–80%. Visit our insurance page for details.

Q: Is AI-assisted dentistry safe for children?

A: Absolutely. AI does not change anything about how X-rays are taken, the radiation exposure is identical to a standard digital X-ray. The AI simply provides enhanced analysis of the images, which is especially valuable for children because early detection of developing issues allows for the most conservative, least invasive treatment approaches. If your child experiences dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry options.

Q: How do I experience AI-assisted dentistry at Summerlin Dental Solutions?

A: Simply schedule an appointment. Every patient at Summerlin Dental Solutions receives AI-assisted X-ray analysis as part of their standard care, there’s nothing special to request. Book a free virtual consultation to get started, or call (702) 341-9160. New patients can complete patient forms online before their first visit.

YOUR TEETH DESERVE A SECOND OPINION FROM AI AND FROM DR. COHAN AI-assisted radiology • 3D CBCT imaging • Digital scanning • Smile design software • Laser dentistry 4.9 Google rating • 19 Best of Las Vegas awards • 30+ years experience • 0% financing 📞 Call (702) 341-9160 💻 dentalsolutionslv.com/virtual-consultation 📍 851 S Rampart Blvd, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89145