Trephination-based autonomous robotic surgery for dental implant placement: A proof of concept

To present a novel drilling protocol of trephine osteotomy technique for autologous bone grafting with simultaneous implant placement using an autonomous robotic system. The novel protocol consists of 1) preoperative procedures: marker fabrication and fixation, data acquisition, and preoperative planning; 2) intraoperative procedures: registration and calibration, and osteotomy and implant placement performed by an autonomous dental implant robot; 3) postoperative procedures: CBCT acquisition and accuracy assessment. The protocol was an effective method for implant osteotomy, with no reported intraoperative complications. The implant surgery was successfully completed, and autogenous bone was obtained. Meanwhile, the accuracy of implant placement was clinically acceptable, with minor deviations. Trephination-based robotic surgery can be successfully implemented in implant osteotomy, which might replace freehand implant surgery and conventional drilling protocol. However, further clinical studies are necessary. The main finding of this case is a potential alternative for preserving autogenous bone during implant surgery.