Evaluating Navigated and Guided Surgery in Dental Implantology: A Review
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Abstract
Introduction: Navigated surgery (NS) and guided surgery (GS) are computer-assisted technologies that have enhanced precision and predictability in dental implantology. While both approaches improve outcomes over freehand placement, they differ in accuracy, efficiency, and clinical application. Materials and Methods: This article is a narrative comparative review. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library (January 2020–August 2025) for studies directly comparing navigated (NS) and guided (GS) implant surgery. Eligible designs included randomized trials, cohort studies, and systematic reviews. Outcomes assessed were placement accuracy, survival, operative time, complications, and patient/clinician-reported measures. Of 130 records, 47 duplicates were removed; 11 studies were included. Results: The 11 included studies assessed over 7,500 implants. Meta-analyses found that while NS and GS showed similar coronal and apical accuracy, NS resulted in lower angular deviation. Clinical trials confirmed that GS significantly reduced surgical time. Both techniques demonstrated high implant survival rates (exceeding 95%) with minimal complications and high clinician and patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Both NS and GS provide accurate and reliable implant placement, each with distinct advantages. NS offers superior angular precision and intraoperative adaptability for anatomically complex cases, while GS provides greater efficiency and simplicity of workflow for routine procedures. As such, these technologies should be considered complementary tools in modern dentistry. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and patient-reported measures to better inform clinical decision-making. Keywords: Dental implants; Digital dentistry; Guided surgery; Navigation, Computer-assisted; Oral surgical procedures.
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2. Saini R. Dental implants: dual stabilization technology. Int J Biomed Adv Res. 2015;6(3):196–200.
3. Tomasi C, Wennström JL, Berglundh T. Longevity of teeth and implants: a systematic review. J Oral Rehabil. 2008;35 Suppl 1:23–32.
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6. Khanh NV, Loi NH, Khoa ND. Evaluation of the accuracy of implants using 3D printed surgical guides in implant placement. J Clin Med Hue Cent Hosp. 2024;92:51–6.
7. Kalaivani G, Balaji VR, Manikandan D, Rohini G. Expectation and reality of guided implant surgery protocol using computer-assisted static and dynamic navigation system: evidence-based literature review. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2020;24(5):398–408.
8. Chandran KRS, Goyal M, Mittal N, George JS. Accuracy of freehand versus guided immediate implant placement: a randomized controlled trial. J Dent. 2023;136:104620.
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10. Goyal L, Sankar H, Dewan M, Perambudhuru Y. Dynamic navigation in dental implantology. Discoveries (Craiova). 2023;11(4):e178.
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12. Parra-Tresserra A, Marquès-Guasch J, Ortega-Martínez J, Basilio-Monné J, Hernández-Alfaro F. Current state of dynamic surgery: a literature review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2021;26(5):e576–81.
13. Pellegrino G, Ferri A, Del Fabbro M, Prati C, Gandolfi MG, Marchetti C. Dynamic navigation in implant dentistry: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2021;36(5):e121–30.
14. Wang W, Zhuang M, Li S, Shen Y, Lan R, Wu Y, et al. Exploring training dental implant placement using static or dynamic devices among dental students. Eur J Dent Educ. 2023;27(3):438–48.
15. Fang Q, Lozada J, Kan J, Al-Ardah A, Li Y. Effect of clinical experience on accuracy of implant placement using dynamic navigation and static guidance: an in vitro study. J Oral Implantol. 2024;50(6):626–35.
16. Ali M, Melika M, Anahita L, Mehdi A, Ebrahimpour A. Application and challenges of artificial intelligence in different branches of dentistry. J Craniomaxillofac Res. 2025;11(4).
17. Khaohoen A, Powcharoen W, Sornsuwan T, Chaijareenont P, Rungsiyakull C, Rungsiyakull P. Accuracy of implant placement with computer-aided static, dynamic, and robot-assisted surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. BMC Oral Health. 2024;24(1):359.
18. Cecchetti F, Di Girolamo M, Ippolito DG, Baggi L. Computer-guided implant surgery: analysis of dynamic navigation systems and digital accuracy. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2020;34(3 Suppl 1):9–17.
19. Taheri Otaghsara SS, Joda T, Thieringer FM. Accuracy of dental implant placement using static versus dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery: an in vitro study. J Dent. 2023;132:104487.
20. Wang F, Wang Q, Zhang J. Role of dynamic navigation systems in enhancing the accuracy of implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021;79(10):2061–70.
21. Yu X, Tao B, Wang F, Wu Y. Accuracy assessment of dynamic navigation during implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies in the last 10 years. J Dent. 2023;135:104567.
22. Yin Z, Kuang H, Li L, Si X. Meta-analysis of the effect of static computer-assisted dental implantation on the accuracy of dental implantation in esthetic area. Afr Health Sci. 2025;25(2):343–53.
23. Parekar D, Selvaganesh S, Nesappan T. Comparative evaluation of accuracy of adjacent parallel implant placements between dynamic navigation and static guide: a prospective study. Cureus. 2024;16(3):e57331.
24. Younis H, Lv C, Xu B, Zhou H, Du L, Liao L, et al. Accuracy of dynamic navigation compared to static surgical guides and the freehand approach in implant placement: a prospective clinical study. Head Face Med. 2024;20(1):30.
25. Zhang C, Al-Awadhi ZA, Geng N, Mo S, Chen S. Dynamic navigation-assisted flapless implant placement in the posterior mandible: a retrospective and comparative study. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2025;139(6):670–83.
26. Ochandiano S, García-Mato D, Gonzalez-Alvarez A, Moreta-Martinez R, Tousidonis M, Navarro-Cuellar C, et al. Computer-assisted dental implant placement following free flap reconstruction: virtual planning, CAD/CAM templates, dynamic navigation and augmented reality. Front Oncol. 2022;11:1–12.
27. Yotpibulwong T, Arunjaroensuk S, Kaboosaya B, Sinpitaksakul P, Arksornnukit M, Mattheos N, et al. Accuracy of implant placement with a combined use of static and dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery in single tooth space: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2023;34(4):330–41.
28. Shi JY, Wu XY, Lv XL, Liu M, Fu XJ, Liu BL, et al. Comparison of implant precision with robots, navigation, or static guides. J Dent Res. 2025;104(1):37–44.
29. Carrico C, Skrjanc L, Kanduti D, Deeb G, Deeb JG. Effect of guided implant placement learning experiences on freehand skills: a pilot study. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2024;10(2):e878.
30. Gerhardt MN, Kreuzer KB, Shinkai RSA. Literature on the accuracy of guided surgery for dental implants: a scoping review. J Osseointegration. 2021;13(3):127–37.
31. Kramer FJ, Baethge C, Swennen G, Rosahl S. Navigated vs conventional implant insertion for maxillary single tooth replacement. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2005;16(1):60–8.
32. Guimarães J, Junior L, Kassis E. Guided surgery in dental implant: a systematic review. MedNEXT J Med Health Sci. 2021;2.
33. Javed F, Hindu KD, Ghafoor R. Guided implant surgery: principles and practice. Dent Update. 2024;51(3):187–91.
34. Spille J, Wagner J, Naujokat H, Wiltfang J. Computer-guided implant surgery in patients undergoing extensive bone reconstruction after tumor resection: a report of three cases and review of literature. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2023.
35. Miller RJ. Navigated surgery in oral implantology: a case study. Int J Med Robot. 2007;3(3):229–34.
2. Saini R. Dental implants: dual stabilization technology. Int J Biomed Adv Res. 2015;6(3):196–200.
3. Tomasi C, Wennström JL, Berglundh T. Longevity of teeth and implants: a systematic review. J Oral Rehabil. 2008;35 Suppl 1:23–32.
4. Afrashtehfar KI, Kazma JM, Yahia I, Jaber AA. Dental implants significantly increase adjacent tooth loss risk due to root fracture. Evid Based Dent. 2024;25(3):123–4.
5. Liu Q, Liu Y, Chen D, Wu X, Huang R, Liu R, et al. Placement accuracy and primary stability of implants in the esthetic zone using dynamic and static computer-assisted navigation: a retrospective case-control study. J Prosthet Dent. 2024;131(3):427–35.
6. Khanh NV, Loi NH, Khoa ND. Evaluation of the accuracy of implants using 3D printed surgical guides in implant placement. J Clin Med Hue Cent Hosp. 2024;92:51–6.
7. Kalaivani G, Balaji VR, Manikandan D, Rohini G. Expectation and reality of guided implant surgery protocol using computer-assisted static and dynamic navigation system: evidence-based literature review. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2020;24(5):398–408.
8. Chandran KRS, Goyal M, Mittal N, George JS. Accuracy of freehand versus guided immediate implant placement: a randomized controlled trial. J Dent. 2023;136:104620.
9. Patil P. Problems of guided implant surgery. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent. 2020;10:138–9.
10. Goyal L, Sankar H, Dewan M, Perambudhuru Y. Dynamic navigation in dental implantology. Discoveries (Craiova). 2023;11(4):e178.
11. Stefanelli LV, La Rosa S. Implant navigation system: dynamic guided surgery. In: Galante JM, Rubio NA, editors. Digital Dental Implantology: From Treatment Planning to Guided Surgery. Cham: Springer; 2021. p. 123–41.
12. Parra-Tresserra A, Marquès-Guasch J, Ortega-Martínez J, Basilio-Monné J, Hernández-Alfaro F. Current state of dynamic surgery: a literature review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2021;26(5):e576–81.
13. Pellegrino G, Ferri A, Del Fabbro M, Prati C, Gandolfi MG, Marchetti C. Dynamic navigation in implant dentistry: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2021;36(5):e121–30.
14. Wang W, Zhuang M, Li S, Shen Y, Lan R, Wu Y, et al. Exploring training dental implant placement using static or dynamic devices among dental students. Eur J Dent Educ. 2023;27(3):438–48.
15. Fang Q, Lozada J, Kan J, Al-Ardah A, Li Y. Effect of clinical experience on accuracy of implant placement using dynamic navigation and static guidance: an in vitro study. J Oral Implantol. 2024;50(6):626–35.
16. Ali M, Melika M, Anahita L, Mehdi A, Ebrahimpour A. Application and challenges of artificial intelligence in different branches of dentistry. J Craniomaxillofac Res. 2025;11(4).
17. Khaohoen A, Powcharoen W, Sornsuwan T, Chaijareenont P, Rungsiyakull C, Rungsiyakull P. Accuracy of implant placement with computer-aided static, dynamic, and robot-assisted surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. BMC Oral Health. 2024;24(1):359.
18. Cecchetti F, Di Girolamo M, Ippolito DG, Baggi L. Computer-guided implant surgery: analysis of dynamic navigation systems and digital accuracy. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2020;34(3 Suppl 1):9–17.
19. Taheri Otaghsara SS, Joda T, Thieringer FM. Accuracy of dental implant placement using static versus dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery: an in vitro study. J Dent. 2023;132:104487.
20. Wang F, Wang Q, Zhang J. Role of dynamic navigation systems in enhancing the accuracy of implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2021;79(10):2061–70.
21. Yu X, Tao B, Wang F, Wu Y. Accuracy assessment of dynamic navigation during implant placement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies in the last 10 years. J Dent. 2023;135:104567.
22. Yin Z, Kuang H, Li L, Si X. Meta-analysis of the effect of static computer-assisted dental implantation on the accuracy of dental implantation in esthetic area. Afr Health Sci. 2025;25(2):343–53.
23. Parekar D, Selvaganesh S, Nesappan T. Comparative evaluation of accuracy of adjacent parallel implant placements between dynamic navigation and static guide: a prospective study. Cureus. 2024;16(3):e57331.
24. Younis H, Lv C, Xu B, Zhou H, Du L, Liao L, et al. Accuracy of dynamic navigation compared to static surgical guides and the freehand approach in implant placement: a prospective clinical study. Head Face Med. 2024;20(1):30.
25. Zhang C, Al-Awadhi ZA, Geng N, Mo S, Chen S. Dynamic navigation-assisted flapless implant placement in the posterior mandible: a retrospective and comparative study. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2025;139(6):670–83.
26. Ochandiano S, García-Mato D, Gonzalez-Alvarez A, Moreta-Martinez R, Tousidonis M, Navarro-Cuellar C, et al. Computer-assisted dental implant placement following free flap reconstruction: virtual planning, CAD/CAM templates, dynamic navigation and augmented reality. Front Oncol. 2022;11:1–12.
27. Yotpibulwong T, Arunjaroensuk S, Kaboosaya B, Sinpitaksakul P, Arksornnukit M, Mattheos N, et al. Accuracy of implant placement with a combined use of static and dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery in single tooth space: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2023;34(4):330–41.
28. Shi JY, Wu XY, Lv XL, Liu M, Fu XJ, Liu BL, et al. Comparison of implant precision with robots, navigation, or static guides. J Dent Res. 2025;104(1):37–44.
29. Carrico C, Skrjanc L, Kanduti D, Deeb G, Deeb JG. Effect of guided implant placement learning experiences on freehand skills: a pilot study. Clin Exp Dent Res. 2024;10(2):e878.
30. Gerhardt MN, Kreuzer KB, Shinkai RSA. Literature on the accuracy of guided surgery for dental implants: a scoping review. J Osseointegration. 2021;13(3):127–37.
31. Kramer FJ, Baethge C, Swennen G, Rosahl S. Navigated vs conventional implant insertion for maxillary single tooth replacement. Clin Oral Implants Res. 2005;16(1):60–8.
32. Guimarães J, Junior L, Kassis E. Guided surgery in dental implant: a systematic review. MedNEXT J Med Health Sci. 2021;2.
33. Javed F, Hindu KD, Ghafoor R. Guided implant surgery: principles and practice. Dent Update. 2024;51(3):187–91.
34. Spille J, Wagner J, Naujokat H, Wiltfang J. Computer-guided implant surgery in patients undergoing extensive bone reconstruction after tumor resection: a report of three cases and review of literature. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2023.
35. Miller RJ. Navigated surgery in oral implantology: a case study. Int J Med Robot. 2007;3(3):229–34.
| Files | ||
| Issue | Vol 12, No 4 (Autumn 2025) | |
| Section | Review Article(s) | |
| Keywords | ||
| Dental implants; Digital dentistry; Guided surgery; Navigation Computer-assisted; Oral surgical procedures. | ||
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. |
How to Cite
1.
Mirzaei A, Moeintaghavi A. Evaluating Navigated and Guided Surgery in Dental Implantology: A Review. J Craniomaxillofac Res. 2026;12(4):222-230.
