Dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating conditions of the teeth, gums, and oral structures, supporting oral health and overall well-being.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
The diagnostic phase in robotic dentistry is a comprehensive data acquisition process that transforms the patient’s physical anatomy into a digital environment. Unlike traditional dentistry, which relies heavily on 2D radiographs and visual inspection, the evaluation for robotic procedures involves volumetric imaging, surface mapping, and algorithmic analysis. At Liv Hospital, this stage is critical, as the robotic system relies entirely on the quality and fidelity of the diagnostic data. The evaluation determines not only the feasibility of the procedure but also the specific robotic platform and surgical protocol to be employed. This rigorous assessment ensures that the biological constraints of the patient are fully understood and respected before any physical intervention occurs.
The cornerstone of robotic diagnosis is the Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan. This imaging modality captures a 3D volumetric image of the patient’s craniofacial structures with high resolution.
CBCT data allow the clinician to measure bone density at the proposed implant site in Hounsfield units. This quantitative analysis predicts the primary stability of the implant and dictates the surgical drilling protocol (e.g., under-drilling in soft bone).
Vital structures, such as the inferior alveolar nerve, mental foramen, and maxillary sinus, are traced and highlighted in the software. The distance from the alveolar crest to these structures is calculated in millimeters.
The scan reveals occult pathologies, such as cysts, granulomas, or retained root tips, that could interfere with robotic placement. It also evaluates the width of the cortical plates, which is essential for anchorage.
The true power of robotic evaluation lies in the fusion of different datasets to create a complete virtual patient or “digital twin.”
The internal bone data from the CBCT (DICOM) is superimposed with the surface data from the intraoral scan (STL). This merging process aligns the bone, teeth, and soft tissue into a single navigable model.
During the scanning phase, specific markers may be placed in the patient’s mouth. These markers serve as reference points that the robot uses to orient itself in the 3D space of the patient’s jaw.
By merging the scans, the clinician can evaluate the thickness of the overlying gum tissue (biotype). This is critical for determining the depth of implant placement and the need for soft tissue grafting.
Before the patient enters the operating room, the surgery is performed virtually. This simulation phase is where the diagnosis is translated into a treatment plan.
The surgeon selects the optimal implant size and places it virtually in the bone. The software allows for 360-degree rotation to inspect the implant’s relationship with surrounding structures.
The software analyzes the path of the robotic arm to ensure it will not collide with the opposing teeth, the patient’s cheek, or surgical instruments during the procedure.
The surgery is planned backwards, starting with the final tooth position. The implant is placed where it best supports the future crown, ensuring that the surgical placement serves the restorative goal.
Evaluation of the soft tissue is as critical as the bone. The characteristics of the gingiva determine the aesthetic outcome and the long-term health of the implant.
The amount of keratinized (tough, pink) gum tissue is measured. A lack of this tissue around an implant is a risk factor for peri-implantitis.
The depth of the vestibule (the pocket between the gum and lip) is evaluated. A shallow vestibule may require modification to prevent muscle pull from disturbing the gum seal around the implant.
In the aesthetic zone, the scallop and height of the gum line are mapped to ensure the final restoration is symmetrical with the adjacent teeth.
Robotic dentistry is not just about placing metal in bone; it is about restoring function. A detailed analysis of the patient’s bite (occlusion) is essential.
Digital articulators simulate the patient’s chewing movements to ensure the planned restoration will not face excessive destructive forces (shearing forces).
The health of the Temporomandibular Joint is assessed. The patient must be able to open their mouth wide enough to accommodate the robotic handpiece.
Biomechanical analysis helps distribute biting forces evenly across the proposed implants. This is critical for preventing mechanical overload and screw loosening in the future.
The precision of robotics must be matched by the physiological capacity of the patient to heal. A thorough medical evaluation is standard.
For patients with osteoporosis or those taking bisphosphonates (drugs that alter bone turnover), blood tests (like CTX levels) may be required to assess the risk of osteonecrosis.
HbA1c levels are evaluated in diabetic patients. Uncontrolled blood sugar impairs microvascular circulation, which can compromise osseointegration even with perfect robotic placement.
Vitamin D is crucial for bone healing. Patients are often screened for deficiency and supplemented before surgery to maximize the biological response to the titanium implant.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Robotic systems navigate a 3D map; without the 3D data from a CT scan, the robot has no reference for the patient’s anatomy and cannot provide guidance.
Modern CBCT scanners used at Liv Hospital utilize very low doses of radiation, comparable to a few days of background environmental radiation, and are optimized for patient safety.
If the surgery is done behind the ear, there will be a small scar in the crease, but it is usually hidden by the ear itself and fades over time. Transcanal surgeries leave no visible external scar.
While the robot itself operates on bone, the digital scans used in the evaluation phase clearly show bone loss patterns associated with advanced gum disease, aiding in diagnosis.
The scanning takes minutes, but the virtual surgery planning by the dentist may take 30 to 60 minutes to ensure every detail is perfect before the actual appointment.
No, the robot is a tool. The dentist uses the software to decide the position based on the evaluation, and the robot helps execute that plan with extreme precision.
Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort rather than severe pain. The anesthesia wears off gently, and pain medication is provided for home use to manage any soreness.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
