Comparison the accuracy of a novel implant robot surgery and dynamic navigation system in dental implant surgery: an in vitro pilot study

Background To compare the accuracy of dental implant placement using a novel dental implant robotic system (THETA) and a dynamic navigation system ( Yizhimei) by a vitro model experiment. Methods 10 partially edentulous jaws models were included in this study, and 20 sites were randomly assigned into two groups: the dental implant robotic system (THETA) group and a dynamic navigation system (Yizhimei) group. 20 implants were placed in the defects according to each manufacturer's protocol respectively. The implant platform, apex and angle deviations were measured by fusion of the preoperative design and the actual postoperative conebeam computed tomography (CBCT) using 3D Slicer software. Data were analyzed by t - test and Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 20 implants were placed in 10 phantoms. The comparison deviation of implant platform, apex and angulation in THETA group were 0.58 +/- 0.31 mm, 0.69 +/- 0.28 mm, and 1.08 +/- 0.66 degrees respectively, while in Yizhimei group, the comparison deviation of implant platform, apex and angulation were 0.73 +/- 0.20 mm, 0.86 +/- 0.33 mm, and 2.32 +/- 0.71 degrees respectively. The angulation deviation in THETA group was significantly smaller than the Yizhimei group, and there was no significant difference in the deviation of the platform and apex of the implants placed using THETA and Yizhimei, respectively. Conclusion The implant positioning accuracy of the robotic system, especially the angular deviation was superior to that of the dynamic navigation system, suggesting that the THETA robotic system could be a promising tool in dental implant surgery in the future. Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate the current results.