Augmented Reality in Implant and Tooth-Supported Prosthodontics Practice and Education: A Scoping Review
<b>Background:</b> Augmented reality (AR) is revolutionizing implant and tooth-supported prosthodontics (ITSP) through enhanced precision, workflow efficiency, and educational outcomes. This scoping review systematically evaluates AR's clinical applications, educational impacts, and implementation challenges. <b>Methods:</b> Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, comprehensive searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase (2015-2025) for peer-reviewed studies on AR in ITSP. Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria after dual independent screening. Data extraction focused on clinical outcomes, educational benefits, and technological limitations. <b>Results:</b> AR applications demonstrated: <i>ITSP Practice</i>: Submillimeter implant placement accuracy (0.42-0.69 mm entry deviation; <i>p</i> < 0.001 vs. freehand), 30% faster intraoral scanning (44 s vs. 63 s), and 37% reduction in preparation errors (<i>p</i> < 0.05); <i>ITSP Education</i>: 22-30% faster skill acquisition (<i>p</i> < 0.05) and 99% reduction in assessment time (10.5 s vs. 2 h/case). Key Gaps: Limited to two randomized controlled trials (RCTs), hardware costs ($3500-$10,000), and lack of standardized validation protocols. <b>Conclusions:</b> While AR significantly enhances ITSP precision and training efficiency, widespread adoption requires longitudinal clinical validation, cost-effectiveness analyses, and interoperable digital workflows.
Authors
- Monica Tatarciuc (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7178-8283)
- Iulian Costin Lupu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9940-4237)
- Diana Diaconu-Popa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1389-1597)
- Roxana-Ionela Vasluianu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0867-1135)
- Catalina Cioloca Holban
- Sorana Roșu
- A. Dima (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8454-1555)
- Anca Mihaela Vițalariu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8341-8810)
Institutions
- Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy (RO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Dentistry Journal
- Published
- 2025-09-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/dj13090435
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Dental Research and COVID-19
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 5.65