Minimum Root Clearance For Robotically Guided Dental Implants

This retrospective study evaluated the minimum safe distance between implants placed with a robotic system and adjacent tooth roots. We analyzed 204 implants in 200 patients, equally divided between those with implant-root distances <1.5mm (n=100) and >2mm (n=100). Postoperative CBCT images were used to measure distances and classify root proximity locations. Clinical outcomes, oral health parameters, and marginal bone changes were assessed during 2-3 years of follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine threshold distances for optimal outcomes. Implants positioned 1.0-1.5mm from adjacent tooth roots showed comparable clinical performance to those >2mm distant (p>0.05). However, implants placed <1.0mm from roots demonstrated significantly greater marginal bone loss and lower patient satisfaction scores. When using robotic implant systems, a minimum safe distance of 1.0mm from adjacent tooth roots, particularly at the cervical region, is sufficient for favorable outcomes. These findings may enable more conservative treatment planning while maintaining predictable results in robotic-assisted implant placement.