You’ve heard of self-driving cars and maybe even self-flying drones. But how about dental implants that also drive themselves into a patient’s jawbone?
Here is the newest technology for dental implants: Robot guided surgery and artificial intelligence. In August 2022, our colleagues from Eastern Virginia, VA successfully implanted a dental implant with a semi-autonomous robot, called YOMI from Miami-based Neocis Inc.
Today’s dental implants are an extremely popular method of replacing missing teeth. They outlast and outperform most other tooth restorations, making them an excellent investment for our patients. But the placement process requires a minor surgical procedure that may leave some people feeling a little hesitant about.
Why Use Robots to Install Dental Implants?
Traditionally, implants are manually set into the bone in place of a tooth root and then allowed to integrate before a fixed restoration such as crowns or bridgework are installed. With recent advancements in robot-assisted dental implant therapy, artificial intelligence (AI) technology offers the highest level of precision during the placement procedure.
Using cutting-edge technology, robots configure and guide each respective implant into the most ideal location of the bone. This advancement in implant therapy has made treatments more comfortable and efficient than ever before, with significantly less time required for the surgical and recovery process.
What Are Robot-Assisted Dental Implants?
Robot-assisted dental implants use new breakthrough technology that exceeds the accuracy of current implant techniques. By comparison, these AI tools use some of the current advancements already in use for robot assisted endodontics (root canals) and CBCT scanning. Only in this case, it involves placing an implant in the mouth.
Traditionally, a dentist will place individual dental implants by hand. They use two-dimensional X-rays to plan the process, or even better, 3D CBCT scanning to virtually map out the installation prior to the patients’ arrival. Then the dentist creates an incision and opening in the bone to insert the implant in the chosen location.
A typical dental implant surgery is extremely detailed and requires 3-6 months of integration before the implant is stable enough to support a fixed restoration. But with robot assisted implant treatment, AI tools guide the equipment of the dentist to ensure an accurate placement with the least invasive method possible. No surgical guides are required.
How Does Robot Assisted Implant Treatment Work?
The greatest benefit of robot-assisted dental implant treatment is their extreme accuracy and minimally invasive approach to patient care. The process begins with a CT scan of the patient’s jaw to map out the anatomical characteristics around the missing tooth. A three-dimensional jaw replica is created in a unique computer program. AI software “reads” this image and, along with the dentist, selects the most appropriate angle, depth, and location of each desired implant location.
Is the Process Safe? Effective?
How are robots used in dentistry? To complement the skill and experience of each respective dentist or surgeon. Robot-assisted dentistry improves patient safety and recovery times. Still, it also ensures better access to care for patients who might not otherwise qualify for specific treatments (such as dental implants in Los Angeles.)
Robotic technology does not replace the need for a dentist. Instead, the procedure uses AI-programmed equipment guided by the dentist as the robotic software monitors it. Information is then related to the dentist regarding angulation, depth of installation, and placement of that specific implant.
Until now, most dentists only had the option of a printed surgical guide for the actual implant procedure. Surgical guides eliminate the “guesswork” of manual implant placement but can be slightly uncomfortable for the patient. Robotic implant software eliminates the need for surgical guides and allows for a less-invasive procedure altogether.
Why is Robot-Assisted Treatment Better Than Conventional Methods?
Robot-assisted treatments are highly accurate and eliminate the risk of human error. But they also complement the skill of highly experienced implant dentists as they further reduce the invasiveness of this standard, simple procedure. For patients, that means quicker recovery and even higher success rates.
Because AI-driven dental robotics can make exact movements, like placing an implant, we can reduce complications in situations involving limited bone density, extensive tooth loss, or more at-risk patients. And the procedure is comfortable enough to be completed with a local anesthetic.
How Long Does the Surgery Take?
This technology is still being developed, and as such, there are limitations to what’s currently available in most dental practices. That being said, there is a potential for robot-assisted surgery to reduce treatment times in the future significantly, not to mention the need for additional support staff within the dental office to perform the procedure.
Robot Guided vs. Surgical Guided Dental Implants | Los Angeles
One of the most common supportive implant therapy techniques uses what’s called a “surgical guide.” Surgical guides are digitally printed to the patient’s anatomy, allowing the dentist to know exactly where each implant should be placed and at what angle. However, there are still drawbacks to surgical guides that robot-guided procedures can address. Such as how wide the patient’s mouth is open and for how long.
Will Robots replace Dentistry?
Not at all. But robots are enhancing the capabilities of the most trained implant specialists, allowing for a broader scope of patient care and a higher success rate for patients in the future. Technology has a place in most of our workplaces, and it’s no different in dentistry. It only continues to enhance the quality and access to care we provide our patients.
Benefits of Robot-Assisted Dental Implant Surgery
Robot-assisted techniques improve comfort and implant treatment results. Studies have shown that patients who have undergone robot-assisted surgery heal faster, with less pain and swelling. In addition, because the robot is programmed to make specific movements based on a 3D scan of the patient’s mouth, it can more accurately guide the implant placement.
Best Implant Dentist in Los Angeles
At LA Dental Clinic, our experienced Los Angeles implant dentistry team is always abreast of the latest research, trends, and technology in patient care.
If you have missing teeth and want to learn more about dental implants in Los Angeles, call LA Dental Clinic to reserve a no-obligation exam and consultation. You can reach us at (213) 342-6276, or schedule a virtual consultation through our online booking system.