Application of virtual reality in dental implants: a systematic review

A treatment approach that is widely used as a permanent and natural replacement for missing or extracted teeth is dental implants .VR is a computer-generated simulation that creates a three-dimensional (3D) image or environment. Advances in VR -based learning allow learners and students to practice and also help professionals plan a wide variety of surgical procedures, including the correct placement of dental implants. Therefore, in this systematic review, our aim was to investigate and evaluate the available virtual reality tools for dental implants and their effectiveness.

Studies published up to 01/30/2023 which report the applications of using virtual reality technology in dental implants, were reviewed in three databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. All studies with evidence reporting the role of virtual reality technology in the field of dental implants were included in our analyses, written in English and published in peer-reviewed form, are included. Theoretical articles, and letters that did not provide original data, as well as studies that reported incomplete information, were excluded. Two reviewers independently assessed search results, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies, and decisive agreement was reached by discussion and consultation with the third researcher. Narrative synthesis was undertaken to summarize and report the findings.

Out of 1633 initial search results, nine were included in the present study based on the inclusion criteria. The focus of seven studies was on teaching and learning, and two studies have examined the implant planning procedure. The most commonly used hardware and software were head-mounted display and Unity3D, respectively. In almost all studies, the results showed that the use of virtual reality-based systems improves and enhances the skills of users, including dental students and specialists.

Our findings showed that VR is an effective method for teaching and planning the implant process. Although the use of VR technology is limited for various reasons such as cost, it can increase the skills of dental professionals in performing dental implants.