Robotic dentistry is no longer a distant concept, but an emerging reality supported by advancing technology. With continued research and clinical validation, it may soon become widely accessible across healthcare settings.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dentistry1 reports the development of an automated robotic system for full crown preparation.
Tooth crown preparation is a common dental procedure in which a damaged or decayed tooth is reshaped to accommodate a dental crown. The teeth have to be prepared in a slightly conical shape to accommodate and place the prosthetic crown.
This involves removing a portion of the tooth structure to create space for a prosthetic crown that restores function, strength, and aesthetics.
Traditionally, crown preparation is performed manually by dentists using rotary instruments. The process requires high precision to ensure proper fit, occlusion, and preservation of healthy tooth structure. Depending on complexity, the procedure can take 40 minutes to over two hours.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dentistry reports the development of an automated robotic system for full crown preparation. The system integrates:
A precision robotic arm
Infrared optical tracking
Advanced planning and control software
In a reported clinical milestone, an AI-powered robotic dentist developed by Perceptive completed a full crown preparation on a human patient in approximately 15 minutes, significantly reducing procedure time.
The robotic system performs crown preparation through a structured workflow, 3D scanning of the tooth, automated path planning for all the sides and surfaces and finally execution of preparation using a robotic arm.
The system generates an ideal preparation morphology, ensuring uniformity and precision.
The study titled “Development and Evaluation of an Automated Robotic System for Full Crown Preparation” evaluated the system using standardized dental models.
The robotic system demonstrated higher accuracy compared to conventional guided methods
Root-mean-square-error (RMSE) values were significantly lower across all tooth surfaces
Preparation time was reduced substantially:
~350 seconds (robotic system)
~584 seconds (guided method)
These findings indicate improved precision and efficiency in automated procedures.
Accurate tooth preparation is essential for:
Proper crown fit
Long-term durability
Prevention of complications such as marginal leakage or secondary decay
The robotic system showed potential to:
Minimize excessive removal of healthy tooth structure
Standardize outcomes across procedures
Reduce operator-dependent variability
The integration of AI and robotics in dentistry could influence future clinical workflows:
Reduced procedure time
Consistent precision
Ability to operate with minimal fatigue
Expanded access to care in underserved areas
However, further large-scale clinical validation and regulatory considerations are necessary before widespread adoption.
The development of an automated robotic system for crown preparation represents a significant advancement in dental technology. With demonstrated improvements in accuracy and efficiency, such systems may play a role in shaping the future of restorative dentistry.
Reference
Fang, Huayu, Heng Liu, Chen Liu, Yuanxue Gao, Shiwei Song, Junchen Wang, Shizhu Bai, and Yimin Zhao. “Development and Evaluation of an Automated Robotic System for Full Crown Preparation.” Journal of Dentistry 167 (April 2026): 106520. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2026.106520.
