Endodontic Microsurgery With an Autonomous Robotic System: A Clinical Report

Abstract

Introduction: Endodontic microsurgery (EMS) requires minimally invasive osteotomy and accurate root-end resection, which can be challenging in many instances. Evidence suggests that autonomous robotic systems can significantly enhance the precision of dental implantation. The aim of this case report is to introduce a novel EMS technique that employs robot-guided osteotomy and root resection procedures.

Methods: A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with previously treated, symptomatic apical periodontitis in the mandibular left first molar. Patient data were used to integrate a digital model into preoperative planning software to design the surgical plan. The robotic system utilizes spatial alignment techniques for registration, guiding the robotic arm to autonomously perform a 3-mm osteotomy and root-end resection, based on the surgical plan. After completing the resection, the clinician confirmed the absence of cracks or root fractures and subsequently performed root-end preparation and filling under a microscope.

Results: To the best of our knowledge, this case marks the first use of autonomous robotic assistance in EMS.

Conclusions: Utilizing an autonomous robotic system could enable precise apicoectomy in patients with intact cortical plates, thus facilitating successful EMS procedures. This has the potential to minimize errors caused by operator inexperience and mitigate the risks associated with excessive bone removal.

Keywords: Apicoectomy; apical microsurgery; autonomous; osteotomy; robotic system; root-end resection.