Our Summary

This research paper is about a new technology called augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation, which is being used in the dental field. It allows surgeons to see a pre-surgical plan directly on the actual surgical site, rather than having to look at a separate screen. The researchers wanted to see how accurate this new method is for placing dental implants compared to other common methods.

To do this, they looked at a number of different studies that had been published up until March 2021. They found 15 studies that were relevant to their research and eight of these were suitable for a more detailed analysis.

The results showed that the AR method was very accurate in terms of the position and angle of the dental implants. It was significantly more accurate than the traditional freehand method, where the surgeon places the implant without any guidance, and the conventional navigation method, which uses a computer screen to guide the surgeon. However, it was about the same in terms of accuracy as the template-based guidance method, which uses a physical guide to help place the implant.

In conclusion, the researchers found that the AR method is a safe and effective way to place dental implants. It is as accurate as the highly recommended template-based method and more accurate than the traditional and conventional methods. This suggests that AR could be a valuable tool for dental surgeons in the future.

FAQs

  1. What is augmented reality (AR) surgical navigation and how does it work in dental surgery?
  2. How does the accuracy of the AR method for placing dental implants compare to other common methods?
  3. According to the research, what are the potential benefits of using the AR method in dental implant surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain foods, taking prescribed medications, and practicing good oral hygiene to ensure proper healing and successful integration of the implant. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with the dentist to monitor the healing process and address any concerns promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended dental implant surgery include those who have lost one or more teeth due to injury, decay, or disease. They should have good overall health and be able to undergo minor oral surgery. Patients with healthy gums and enough bone to support the implant are also good candidates for dental implant surgery.

Patients who are not good candidates for dental implant surgery include those who have certain medical conditions that may affect the healing process, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders. Patients who smoke or have poor oral hygiene may also not be recommended for dental implant surgery, as these factors can increase the risk of complications.

Overall, dental implant surgery is a safe and effective treatment option for patients who have lost teeth and want to restore their smile and oral function. It is important for patients to consult with their dentist or oral surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for dental implant surgery and to discuss the best treatment options for their specific needs.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  1. Consultation: The patient meets with the dentist or oral surgeon to discuss the need for dental implants and determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

  2. Pre-surgical examinations: X-rays, CT scans, and impressions of the teeth and jaw are taken to create a treatment plan for the dental implants.

  3. Treatment planning: The dentist creates a detailed plan for the placement of the dental implants, including the position, angle, and size of the implants.

  4. Pre-surgical instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications.

  5. Anesthesia: On the day of the surgery, the patient is given local anesthesia to numb the area where the implants will be placed.

After dental implant surgery:

  1. Recovery: The patient may experience some discomfort and swelling after the surgery, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs.

  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient will need to visit the dentist for follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and ensure that the implants are integrating properly with the jawbone.

  3. Healing period: It can take several months for the implants to fully integrate with the jawbone before the final restoration (such as a crown or denture) can be placed.

  4. Maintenance: The patient will need to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure the longevity of the dental implants.

  5. Enjoying the benefits: Once the implants have healed and the final restoration is in place, the patient can enjoy the benefits of improved chewing function, speech, and aesthetics.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about dental implant surgery using augmented reality surgical navigation include:

  1. How does augmented reality surgical navigation work and how will it benefit my dental implant procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with using augmented reality technology for dental implants?
  3. How experienced are you in using augmented reality for dental implant surgery?
  4. Will the use of augmented reality technology impact the cost of my dental implant procedure?
  5. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I need to follow if I choose to have my dental implants placed using augmented reality technology?
  6. Can you provide me with any before-and-after images or case studies of patients who have had dental implants placed using augmented reality surgical navigation?
  7. What are the success rates of dental implant placement using augmented reality compared to other methods?
  8. How long will the dental implant procedure take when using augmented reality technology?
  9. Are there any limitations or contraindications to using augmented reality for my specific case?
  10. How will I be able to track the progress of my dental implant surgery with augmented reality technology?

Reference

Authors: Mai HN, Dam VV, Lee DH. Journal: J Med Internet Res. 2023 Jan 4;25:e42040. doi: 10.2196/42040. PMID: 36598798