Accuracy and Clinical Relevance of Robot-Assisted Implant Surgery: An Umbrella Review
Robot-assisted implant surgery (RAIS) represents the most advanced form of digitally guided implant placement, integrating virtual planning with mechanically constrained execution and real-time control. Although multiple systematic reviews suggest superior accuracy with robotic systems, the magnitude and clinical relevance of these gains remain uncertain at the highest level of evidence. This umbrella review, conducted according to PRISMA 2020 and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, aimed to synthesize and critically appraise systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluating the accuracy of Robot-assisted implant surgery (RAIS) in dental implantology. Search across five major databases identified seven eligible reviews published between 2023 and 2025, including clinical, cadaveric, and in vitro evidence. Across reviews, RAIS consistently demonstrated the highest placement accuracy, with pooled mean coronal deviations of 0.60–0.73 mm, apical deviations of 0.63–0.70 mm, and angular deviations typically between 1.4° and 1.7°. Comparative meta-analyses reported significant reductions in linear (−0.15 to −0.21 mm) and angular deviations (−1.2° to −1.4°) compared with dynamic navigation. Despite these technical advantages, evidence linking improved accuracy to enhanced implant survival, reduced complications, or superior patient-reported outcomes was limited. Robotic workflows were associated with longer setup times, while safety profiles were comparable to other guided techniques. Overall, RAIS provides the highest placement accuracy currently reported; however, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to clarify its impact on long-term clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Authors
- Eduardo García Fernández
- Mjör Ia
- Vanessa Campos‐Bijit (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3193-911X)
- Javier Basualdo Allende
- Leonardo Díaz
- Constanza Morales-Gómez
Institutions
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (CL)
- Fundación Chile (CL)
- Universidad Autónoma de Chile (CL)
- Millenium Nucleus for Planet Formation (CL)
- University of Chile (CL)
- Universidad de Sevilla (ES)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Applied Sciences
- Published
- 2026-02-23
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/app16042159
- Primary Topic
- Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- Universidad de Chile