Recent Advances in Digital Dentistry: The Impact of Robotics and Smart Implant Design on Dental Practice

Introduction: Digital dentistry has transformed modern practice through CAD/CAM, intraoral scanners, and AI technologies, while robotic surgery and smart implants further enhance precision and clinical outcomes. The aim of this article is to evaluate the evolution and impact of digital dental technologies, with particular emphasis on robotic-assisted implantology and smart implant design. Methods: This study presents a narrative review of peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, and systematic reviews published in the past five years, identified through MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Results: Robotic-assisted implant placement improves accuracy by up to 98.2%, reduces surgical errors, and shortens operative time. Smart implants promote osseointegration and lower the risk of peri-implantitis through bioelectric stimulation. In addition, digital workflows enhance diagnostic precision and shorten treatment turnaround times. Discussion: Robotic-assisted implantology and smart implant design are reshaping precision and longevity in modern dental practice. Robotic systems enhance surgical accuracy, reduce procedural errors, and support patient-specific planning, particularly in complex implant cases. At the same time, bioelectric smart implants actively promote tissue regeneration and help mitigate peri-implantitis, marking a shift from passive to responsive implantology. Together, these technologies point toward a transformative future for digital dentistry, although challenges related to cost, training, and regulatory validation remain critical for broader implementation. Conclusion: Advancements in digital dentistry, particularly robotics and smart implants, are transforming clinical practice by improving precision and patient outcomes. Broader integration, however, will require overcoming current limitations related to cost, accessibility, and regulatory frameworks, supported by ongoing research and professional development.