What is Robot-Assisted Dental Implant Surgery?
by Dr. Scott Bolding | June 1, 2021
And yes, we did say robot. These robots do not perform the surgeries but instead guide our surgeons as they place your new teeth. It can sound pretty scary at first, but these robots provide the necessary precision to make your mouth more flawless than ever. With robot-assisted dental implants, we do not have to rely solely on human hands when placing dental implants. This makes the surgery more reliable and less time-consuming. Robot-assisted dental implants make it possible for you to get back to normal faster!
How Do Robot-Assisted Dental Implants Work?
We use the Yomi robotic system to help us perform these surgeries. Yomi is the world’s first and only FDA-cleared robotic system for dental surgery. It uses 3D imaging to digitally plan out the dental implant procedure beforehand. It also provides physical guidance to help dental surgeons place the implant in the right spot and at the right depth. However, the surgeon can always customize the placement plan for each individual patient, as needed. They also have control at all times during the procedure to avoid technical issues and complications.
These robots take into account where your nerves and sinuses are located to avoid complications during surgery. This is an extremely important factor to consider since dental surgeons do not have the capability to do this themselves. On their own, they have to rely only on their knowledge and experience. But with the help of a robot, they can combine their skills with that of the robot, which has already mapped out where everything is in the mouth. This could save lives and prevent even more injuries.
Our specialists are heavily trained on the software and technology of Yomi to ensure the safety of our patients. The founder of PRECiDENT, Dr. Bolding, is one of three Diamond Doctors of Excellence in terms of the Yomi system. Furthermore, our Arkansas location is one of four Gold Centers of Excellence in all of the United States.
Many dentists, including ours, prefer robotic assistance because of its precision and convenience for both dentists and clients. In fact, out of the four million U.S. patients who receive an implant each year, robot assistance is used on approximately ¼ of them. Several studies have been conducted to check the safety of these robots as well, and in those studies, it was found that the complication rate averages at only 3.6%, which is not far from the rate of complication for most manual dental implant surgeries.
What it is Not
Robotic assistance is not a substitute for your surgeon. The robot itself is not performing the surgery; the surgeon’s hands are on the handpiece at all times, and the surgeon is constantly engaged with the patient to watch for any changes in their anatomy or response. Robotic assistance actually allows for adjustments during surgery, as needed, in a way that other implant assistants, such as static guides and cameras, cannot. Not to mention, the guidance is more reliable and precise than the other options.
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Dental implants can help you get back to what you were missing. Implants look and feel like natural teeth so you can eat what you want and smile with confidence.
Our dental implant specialists are ready to help you get started.
Why Use Robotic Assistance?
Yomi robots are extremely efficient, allowing PRECiDENT the ability to perform same-day dental implants. This is a huge advantage in terms of time and commitment since it typically takes weeks to months to even begin manual procedures. The reason these robots can operate in just one appointment is because of their precision and accuracy. With the use of 3D imaging, the robots can easily create a plan for the surgery and model an end goal for your mouth–all in just one day. With measurements in place digitally, they can also create a temporary tooth that day so you don’t have to continue with gaps in your teeth after the surgery.
Since the robots also make smaller incisions in your gums and bone than dentists, they require a less-invasive procedure; therefore, all the pieces of the implant (including the abutment piece and tooth) can be placed in one sitting. In addition, there is a shorter healing period since there is less invasion into the tissue and bone (as well as less pain and irritation afterward).
Both of these attributes give you a chance to spend less time toothless at the dentist or at home on medication and more time with the smile of your dreams.
FAQs
We are happy to answer your questions, so please reach out to us if you have any. As a starting guide, here are a few frequently asked questions you may benefit from reading about Yomi’s robotic assistance.
What Role Does Yomi Play in My Procedure?
Yomi provides our dental team with important information on your teeth and jaws. This helps us create a personalized plan to best fit your situation. During robot-assisted dental implant surgeries, Yomi guides our surgeons to perfect those very plans. Yomi also gives the surgeon room to adapt the plan when necessary.
Is Robotic Assistance New?
Robotic assistance was originally founded in 2009, and after its first successful clinical trial in 2016, clearance by the FDA was provided at the end of that year. It is now becoming a standard of care in medicine. One million patients every year receive help from robotic technology. Yomi is the first and only system for robot-assisted dental implant surgeries in the United States.
Does Yomi Replace My Dental Surgeon?
Yomi does not replace your dental surgeon. Yomi does provide your dentist with assistance, however. The dental surgeon holds and directs the Yomi instruments at all times. In essence, Yomi combines a dental surgeon’s knowledge and experience with the benefits of robotic assistance.
Get Back to Normal
With Robotic Dental Implant Surgery.
If robotic assistance is right for you, your dental team will create a custom treatment plan with the Yomi software. During surgery, Yomi will assist your surgeon to better perfect your smile. It will provide important information that your dentist can feel, hear and see.
Be sure to discuss all treatment options with a specialist today. Our dental team can look at your medical and dental history to recommend the best option for you. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call one of our offices today! You can find the phone number for your local office at the bottom of our website.