GUIDED SURGERY IN IMPLANTOLOGY: A HISTORICAL RETROSPECTIVE

Objective: This study aimed to explore the technological advancements in modern implant dentistry, with a focus on guided surgery techniques. Specifically, it evaluated the benefits, limitations, and impact of software and digital tools in comparison to traditional implantology methods. Materials and methods: To construct this narrative review, a methodological strategy was developed to ensure the inclusion of the most current, relevant, and scientifically validated information on the topic, providing robust and well-supported content. Comprehensive searches were conducted across multiple databases, including DeCs, BVS/BIREME, PROSPERO, SciELO, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library, complemented by Google Scholar. Results: The findings revealed that guided surgery significantly enhances the precision of implant placement, reduces surgical errors, and improves the distribution of masticatory forces, resulting in higher implant longevity. Techniques like flapless surgery were associated with lower postoperative morbidity, reduced healing time, and improved patient comfort. Digital planning tools, including NobelClinician and CoDiagnostiX, enabled three-dimensional visualization and precise execution of surgical procedures. However, challenges such as high costs, technical learning curves, and dependency on advanced equipment were identified as barriers to widespread adoption. Conclusion: The integration of digital technologies into implantology has transformed clinical practice, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional methods. Guided surgery minimizes invasiveness, enhances procedural predictability, and improves patient recovery. Despite its advantages, the adoption of these technologies requires addressing economic and technical constraints to ensure broader accessibility and application.