Navigated digital implantology Possibilities and limitations of innovative technologies

In dental implantology, the optimal insertion of implants in the jaw bone is crucial for success from a biologic, functional, and esthetic perspective. In this context, the optimal prosthetic restorations play an essential role as a treatment goal for planning the exact implant placement in terms of prosthetic-surgical backward planning. Innovative diagnostic and planning procedures to increase the safety and predictive accuracy of an implant procedure and support in the digital treatment process are also gaining increasing acceptance in routine cases, from "mental" navigation concepts with computer-based implant planning to the already established static navigation with surgical implant guides 3D printed either externally or in practice, to dynamic, precise real-time navigation systems. The latter systems allow 3D orientation of the drill and implant position based on DVT and CT data and optical tracking during implant placement. Exciting concepts for robot-assisted implant placement are currently in the evaluation and testing phase and provide a glimpse into the (possible) future. The advantages and disadvantages of the described workflows and technologies are listed and discussed. Possibilities and limitations of the different treatment or navigation concepts are explained to gain a comprehensive insight and overview of the current and future opportunities available in digital dental implantology.