Summary in 1 minute
Robotics is entering restorative dentistry. Recently developed systems combine intraoral 3D scanning, digital planning and a robotic arm with dental handpiece that performs tooth preparation following software-calculated trajectories.
In experimental studies published in the Journal of Dentistry (2026), these systems showed greater precision than conventional guided techniques, with significantly lower mean deviations during crown preparation. Some prototypes completed the preparation in approximately 15 minutes with automatic procedure planning.
The technology is still under development but anticipates a scenario where robotics could partially automate the most repetitive restorative procedures, improving clinical consistency regardless of operator experience.
Source: Journal of Dentistry, 2026 — Study on PubMed — Study on PMC