Robotics in Dental Implant Surgery

The future has arrived

Executive Editor Daniel Alter, MSc, MDT, CDT

We live in a time when technology is an intricate part of our daily lives; some believe it is the sunrise of the third Industrial Revolution and perhaps the advent of a fourth. Technology-assisted processes have elevated outcomes with regards to efficiencies, precision, and material sciences in the manufacturing industry. Dental technology followed the same manufacturing methodologies, enjoying the introduction of new and exciting restorative options, materials, and fabrication processes. New efforts in computer-assisted clinical implant dentistry have produced a novel approach to implant surgery. Neocis, a Precision HealthCare Robotics company (neocis.com), has introduced an FDA-cleared computerized navigational system (robot) intended to assist in both the planning and surgery of dental implants. The YOMI^® robotic arm provides an enhanced level of precision and control while using haptic guidance and multisensory feedback to perform dental implant surgery. The robotic arm helps the surgeon achieve the correct location, angulation, and depth when placing dental implants through its sensors, producing true and unique guidance. The company believes YOMI^® will truly transform the dental implant surgery space with advanced robotics.

Have you wondered how new technology may change the dental environment? What would it mean for the dental laboratory and dental technology as we know it? Some may perceive this technology to be a looming challenge, while others may perceive robotic technology as a great opportunity. Perception is reality to those who perceive. Early adopters of CAD/CAM recognized the benefits technology could provide and took on the investment of time and resources to reap the competitive advantage and become solution partners for their dental clientele; this new robotic dental implant technology may have a similar effect. The key is learning how to control technology and use it to further our profession, rather than allowing technology to control us.

Dental technologists have played an integral role in the surgical planning phase of dental implants for years and are significantly becoming more entrenched in their planning, surgical, and restorative functions. A dental technologist has a deep understanding of what will be functionally and esthetically successful when restoring implant-supported prosthetics, and when combining that with an in-depth understanding of the oral and biological environment and its considerations, a laboratory can become a very strong team member whose technological savvy can provide the clinician with a fail-safe progression to deploy when placing dental implants. Immersing oneself in new technologies will set the dental laboratory apart by putting it ahead of a trend and may significantly change the way dental implant surgeries are performed. As always, it is prudent for a dental laboratory owner to be in the know, satisfying all business and client needs while keeping a very sharp eye on the future in an effort to remain sustainably viable and to reap maximum rewards of any major trend. It is a great honor and privilege to bring this to you and elevate and inspire with knowledge!