Comparison of accuracy in freehand versus computer-assisted (dynamic and static) dental implant placement: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE

When compared to conventional freehand procedures, the development of computer-assisted techniques in dental implant insertion surgery has significantly changed traditional practices, bringing about a movement toward improved precision and predictability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of traditional freehand methods versus static-dynamic computer-assisted dental implant placement procedures in terms of accuracy and precision.

METHODOLOGY

This study followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, screening 438 articles from databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were randomized and nonrandomized control trials, case controls and retrospective case studies, focusing on platform deviation, angular deviation, and apical deviation in dynamic, static, and freehand surgeries. Eleven studies were selected for a review, with nine studies included in the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was analyzed using appropriate statistical models to ensure robust findings and reliability of the results.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included nine studies comparing dental implant accuracy across dynamic, static, and freehand placement techniques. Dynamic systems showed superior accuracy, with platform deviations of 0.64-1.73 mm, angular deviations of 2.49°-5.75°, and apical deviations of 0.89-1.86 mm. Static systems showed slightly greater variability, with platform deviations of 0.97-2.34 mm and angular deviations of 2.2°-4.98°. Freehand techniques demonstrated the highest deviations, with platform deviations up to 3.48 mm and angular deviations up to 10.09°. Prediction intervals indicated consistent superiority of dynamic guidance across metrics.

CONCLUSION

When compared to static and freehand methods, dynamic computer-assisted dental implant surgery provides more accuracy and precision. In implant dentistry, adopting dynamic guided systems is essential to attaining the best clinical results and raising patient satisfaction.