Robotically Assisted Implantology - A Systematic Review from a Young Dental Professional’s Perspective: I Have No Fear, My Dental Robot Is Near!

Abstract

Objective: There are multiple opportunities to enhance the quality of dental care through robotics. Robotics-assisted dentistry continues to evolve from traditional navigational surgery to more complex systems that prove to be essential in implantology and the overall maintenance of oral health. The purpose of this study is to provide a brief literature review of robotics in dentistry and dental education, identify reasons for their limited penetration and highlight the enormous potential of robots to enhance the future of professionals, newly entering implantology. Methods: A systematic review of articles was performed, focusing on robotics in dentistry, a specificality in implantology within the last decade, limiting the search to English language publications. The search was conducted across two major electronic databases, PubMed and EMBASE and Google as a generic source of information. With articles up to July 2022. Employing a combination of relevant key terms and synonyms, including “robotics” Yomi”, “dental robots”, “robotic implantology” and aliases, over 31 articles were screened. In total, the systematic search identified 17 articles which were included in the review. The perspective of someone newly entering the profession was also included as an opinion. Results: The introduction of robotics in implantology dates back only a few years. The perception of robotics as cost-prohibitive or threatening to the dental profession are partly to blame. Among other reasons for the limited penetration are the lack of technology expertise and patient acceptance. Robotic implant systems have the potential to alter quality of care through improved and more precise treatment. Robotically guided implant placement allows for dynamic surgical tracking in real-time. It can be used to augment dental implant procedures for the placement of reliable, repeatable, dental implant outcomes. Dentists newly entering the profession can benefit from the accuracy, speed and agility of assistive robotics. Conclusion: Robotics in dentistry is delayed compared to medicine due to perception of cost, fear for displacement of the dental profession and limited technological readiness. New professionals entering the field of dentistry should not see robots displacing their role as dentists but rather enhancing it and transforming the holistic approach to dental care from planning to flawless execution. For new dentists, the foundational knowledge and compassionate ear will remain indispensable. I have no fear as I know my dental robot is near!