Robotics Application in Dentistry: A Review

Digital dentistry and afterwards intelligent dentistry have been considered a trend in the development of both dental research and clinical practice. Robotics enhances precision and efficiency in medicine. In particular, robotics in dentistry is revolutionizing patient care with advanced technological integration, minimally invasive procedures, and improved outcomes and patient experiences. This review presents an in-depth concept of robots in digital dentistry, highlighting major contributions and impact in clinical scenarios. We first present the motivation behind dental robots and then will discuss the limitations and gaps between the research and applications of dental robots in different fields of dentistry. These robots are clinically involved in oral and maxillofacial surgery, dental implants, prosthodontics, orthognathic surgery, endodontics, and dental education treatments. The literature suggest that these robots are efficient, making quick decision, and maximize the benefit of digital dentistry. It fully automate the surgical procedure for diagnostic and treatment system. By integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) to these robots eliminates the clinical decision making approach for predictive analysis for early detection and prevention. Finally, the key technologies and potential developments in robotics across various fields of dentistry were demonstrated. It is also discussed carefully how aspects such as mechanical design, recognition sensors, manipulation planning, and state monitoring can significantly influence the future impact of dental robots. These components play a crucial role in enhancing the functionality and efficiency of dental robotics, paving the way for advanced dental care. This review paper will enable researchers to gain better understanding of current status, challenges and future directions of dental robots.