The Accuracy of Autonomous Robotic Surgery vs. Dynamic Navigation in Implant Placement: An Open‐Label, Double‐Arm, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the accuracy and clinical outcomes of an autonomous robot with dynamic navigation in implant placement under standardized conditions, with the same optical tracking system. METHODS: A prospective open-label randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms enrolled 40 patients with a single tooth missing. Participants were randomly allocated to either the autonomous robot group (AR group, n = 20) or the dynamic navigation group (DN group, n = 20) for implant placement. The surgical systems of these two groups utilized the same optical tracking technology. The primary parameters for accuracy analysis were angular, coronal, and apical deviations between planned and actual implant positions. Secondary outcomes included surgical time, patient-reported pain, edema, complications, and early implant success rate. RESULTS: The AR group demonstrated significantly lower angular deviation of implants (1.01° ± 0.65°) compared to the DN group (1.78° ± 1.15°, p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference found in coronal and apical implant deviations. Surgical time was longer for robotic procedures (21.52 ± 9.81 min vs. 14.27 ± 3.57 min, p < 0.01). Postoperative pain, edema, complications, and early implant success rate were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the autonomous robot achieved superior angular accuracy of implant placement compared to dynamic navigation; however, there was no statistically significant difference in relation to linear deviations. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number: ChiCTR2400085659.