Accuracy of autonomous robotic computer-assisted implant surgery in edentulous patients: a retrospective exploratory case series

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of robotic computer-assisted implant surgery in edentulous patients and to compare differences in accuracy between implants placed in the maxilla and mandible, as well as between anterior and posterior regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients who voluntarily underwent autonomous robotic computer-assisted implant surgery (R-CAIS) using the YaKebot system and met the eligibility criteria were included in this study. Preoperative planning data and postoperative CBCT images were imported into the robotic software system for registration to calculate deviations between the designed and actual implant positions. The primary outcomes included global deviations at the implant platform and apex, angular deviation, as well as horizontal and vertical deviations at the platform and the apex. Deviations were compared among implants placed at different anatomical locations, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Six edentulous patients underwent R-CAIS with a total of 42 implants placed. The mean deviation at the implant platform was 0.519 ± 0.216 mm, while the mean apex deviation was 0.508 ± 0.224 mm. The mean angular deviation was 0.634 ± 0.402°, and the mean vertical deviation was 0.298 ± 0.248 mm. The results showed that global deviations at the apex, global angular deviations, and platform vertical deviations tended to be lower in the anterior region than in the posterior region. However, none of these differences reached statistical significance (all p-values > 0.05). Implants in the maxilla exhibited overall smaller deviations than those in the mandible. Notably, the buccolingual deviation at the apex was significantly lower in the maxilla than in the mandible (p = 0.021). No other significant differences were found between the two jaws (all p > 0.05). In terms of deviation direction, the implants tended to deviate toward the buccal and distal directions and were positioned slightly more superficially than designed. CONCLUSIONS: R-CAIS can achieve high accuracy in implant placement in edentulous patients, supporting its broader clinical application in complex implant rehabilitation.