Robotics in Dentistry: Are Automated Procedures the Future?

Introduction

Robotics is transforming dentistry by enhancing precision, safety, and patient comfort. With applications across prosthodontics, oral implantology, oral surgery, orthodontics, and endodontics, dental robots assist in procedures such as painless root canal Delhi, wisdom tooth extraction Delhi, and wisdom teeth removal Delhi. This article explores the current state of dental robotics and its future potential.

1. Prosthodontics

Robotic applications in prosthodontics focus on three main areas: tooth preparation, tooth arrangement, and articulation.

1.1 Tooth Preparation

• Tooth preparation is essential for crown placement, traditionally done with high-speed drills.
• Risks include soft tissue injury, pulp inflammation, and thermal hypersensitivity.
• Laser-based robotic systems, such as LaserBot, provide precise 3D motion control for crown preparation.
• Advantages include reduced noise and vibration, safer procedures, and improved comfort.
• Studies show robotic preparation can achieve clinically acceptable accuracy and reduced preparation time to around 17 minutes per tooth.

1.2 Tooth Arrangement

• Traditional denture fabrication requires skilled technicians for precise tooth arrangement.
• CAD/CAM software combined with robotic systems ensures consistent tooth placement and reduced human error.
• Systems developed by Zhang et al. use robotic manipulators to assemble teeth and wax, improving efficiency and precision in complete dentures.

1.3 Articulation

• Robotic articulators reproduce mandibular movements with six degrees of freedom, enabling accurate occlusion without intraoral adjustments.
• Current studies are limited but show potential for enhancing denture and crown accuracy.

2. Oral Implantology

Accurate implant placement is critical for successful outcomes. Robotic systems improve stability, precision, and minimally invasive procedures.

• Early interactive computer-assisted planning evolved into robotic-assisted systems like Yomi (FDA-approved in 2017).
• Fully automatic systems, such as those developed by Zhao Yiming, enable direct drilling into gingival tissue with minimal invasiveness.
• Advantages include real-time calibration for patient movement, reduced human error, and shorter surgical time.
• Human-robot collaborative systems combine dentist expertise with robotic precision for optimal implant placement.

3. Oral Surgery

Robotic technology enhances maxillofacial and mandibular procedures.

• Mandibular reconstruction benefits from robot-assisted osteotomies, reducing operation time and increasing accuracy.
• Orthognathic surgery uses six-DOF robotic arms to reposition bone segments precisely.
• Autonomous systems with preoperative 3D planning can guide surgery with high accuracy, even on 3D-printed models.
• Robots help analyze lesions, plan operations, and execute precise cutting and fixation of craniofacial bones.

4. Orthodontics

Robots improve clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and especially archwire bending.

• Manual archwire bending is prone to human error due to wire stiffness.
• Robotic systems like LAMDA and SureSmile2 bend wires with high accuracy, reducing treatment time and improving outcomes.
• Advantages include lower labor intensity for orthodontists and minimized wire fatigue.

5. Endodontics

Robotics is being applied to root canal therapy for training and treatment.

• Simulators like Omni Phantom provide haptic feedback for safe practice of K-file and rotary file usage.
• Experimental microrobots are being designed for automated root canal drilling and filling, increasing accuracy and safety for patients.
• Future micro-endodontic robots could overcome limitations of traditional treatment for patients with restricted mouth opening.

6. Other Applications

6.1 Mastication

• Masticatory robots simulate human chewing to study TMJ disorders, prosthetic function, and food texture.
• Systems like Bionic Technology record mandibular movements and analyze stress on prosthetics.

6.2 Tooth Cleaning

• Six-axis robots perform programmed toothbrushing on artificial teeth with higher plaque removal efficacy.
• Automated mouthpiece robots assist elderly or disabled patients safely.

6.3 Rehabilitation

• Oral rehabilitation robots, such as Waseda–Asahi Oral Rehabilitation Robot No.1, provide muscle massage for TMD and dysphagia.
• Clinical trials confirm safety and effectiveness.

7. Benefits of Robotics in Dentistry

• Enhanced precision in procedures like painless root canal Delhi and wisdom teeth removal Delhi
• Reduced patient discomfort and improved recovery time
• Lower risk of human error and consistent treatment quality
• Reduced labor intensity and time efficiency for dental teams

8. Challenges and Considerations

• Dental robots require skilled dentists for programming and monitoring.
• Complex procedures, such as bone grafts, cannot yet be fully automated.
• Security, privacy, and ethical concerns must be addressed.
• Integration with AI systems and voice-command technology like DEXvoice can enhance efficiency.

9. Future Outlook

• Robotics is transitioning from computer-assisted to fully autonomous systems.
• Integration with AI and machine learning could allow real-time diagnosis, treatment planning, and automated procedures.
• Multidisciplinary research in AI, mechanics, and stomatology will advance robotic applications.

Conclusion

Robotics in dentistry complements human skills by providing precise, efficient, and safer procedures. From painless root canal Delhi to wisdom tooth extraction Delhi, robotic systems enhance clinical outcomes, shorten treatment times, and improve patient experiences. While robots will not replace dentists, they will transform the dental landscape with smarter, faster, and more patient-friendly treatment options.