Major approaches and scientific relevance of virtual surgery in implant dentistry: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Dental implant procedures have increased worldwide, reaching approximately one million dental implants per year the optimization of faster and more accurate techniques by dentists and postoperative surgeons with better results and quality of life stimulated the development of numerous software and hardware for performing computer-guided surgeries, the so-called Guided Surgeries (GS). Objective: The present study carried out a systematic review to highlight the optimization of the safety and effectiveness of digital dental implants. Methods: The rules of the Systematic Review-PRISMA Platform were followed. The research was carried out from June to July 2024 and developed based on Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument and the risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results and Conclusion: A total of 112 articles were found. A total of 42 articles were fully evaluated and 14 were included in the systematic review. A total of 32 studies were excluded because they did not meet the GRADE criteria, and 20 studies were excluded because they had a high risk of bias. Preoperative virtual planning and reconstruction of the mandible guided by dental implants through preoperative designs provide high success rates for the implant and dental rehabilitation, benefiting also prosthetic restorations supported by fixed implants. Still, the concept of using personalized implants with the help of 3D virtual treatment planning, stereolithographic models, and computer-assisted design greatly improves mandibular restoration and helps to obtain a good facial profile, and aesthetic and dental rehabilitation, avoiding complications with autologous grafts