Are Dental Implants Placed By Robots? What To Expect When Getting Dental Implants

If you’ve wondered “how are dental implants put in,” the short answer is: with careful planning, precise surgery to place a titanium post in your jaw, and time for the bone to fuse to that post before a final tooth is attached. This post explains the difference between the usual manual implant surgery and robotic-assisted placement using the YOMI robot, and it covers what to expect before, during, and after treatment.

What Is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a replacement for a tooth root. It has three main parts: the implant (a titanium screw placed in the jaw), the abutment (a connector), and the crown (the visible tooth). Implants are used to replace one or more missing teeth, restore chewing, and protect nearby teeth from shifting.

How Are Dental Implants Put In: Traditional Procedure

Consultation and planning

First you’ll have an exam with X-rays or a CBCT 3D scan. The dentist checks your overall health, jawbone, and nearby nerves. They’ll make a treatment plan and take impressions or digital scans to plan the size and position of the implant. You’ll also discuss sedation options, from local anesthesia to IV sedation, depending on comfort and complexity.

Surgery day — step by step

On surgery day the area is numbed and sedation is given if chosen. The surgeon makes a small incision in the gum and drills into the bone following the preplanned position. The titanium implant is placed into the hole, and the gums are sutured closed. The procedure usually takes under an hour for a single implant. Immediate post-op care includes biting on gauze, ice packs, and clear instructions for pain control and diet.

Healing and final restoration

After placement the jaw needs time to heal and bond to the implant—a process called osseointegration, which typically takes 3–6 months. During healing you may get a temporary crown or denture. Once the implant is stable, the abutment is attached and a final crown is made to match your teeth. A few follow-up visits confirm healing and fit.

Robotic-Assisted Implant Placement: The YOMI Robot

What YOMI does

YOMI is a surgical robot that assists the dentist by guiding the drill’s angle and depth based on your digital treatment plan. It tracks the drill in real time and provides haptic feedback, but the surgeon controls the handpiece and makes final decisions.

Benefits and limitations

Robotic guidance can increase placement accuracy and may reduce trauma to tissues, making results more predictable. Limitations include equipment costs, availability, and that not every case needs a robot. Some clinics add a technology fee for robotic-assisted surgery.

Who may benefit

Patients with complex anatomy, limited bone, tightly spaced teeth, or full-arch restorations may gain the most from robotic guidance. Simple single-tooth cases often do well with standard manual techniques.

Risks, Recovery, and What to Expect After Surgery

Common side effects and timeline

Expect swelling, mild to moderate discomfort, bruising, and a soft-food diet for several days. Pain is usually controlled with OTC or prescription meds. Keep the area clean with gentle rinses and avoid smoking. Most normal activities resume in a few days; full bone healing takes months.

When to call the office

Call if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain not relieved by medication, fever, or signs of infection like worsening swelling, pus, or a bad taste that won’t go away.

Cost, Timeline, and Choosing Between Robotic vs. Manual Placement

Cost and timeline depend on number of implants, whether bone grafts or extra imaging are needed, and your sedation choice. Robotic-assisted cases may include extra fees for the technology but can offer better precision in selected cases. The best choice comes from a clinical exam and your surgeon’s recommendation.

Looking For Dental Implants? Next Steps

Our team offers both traditional and YOMI-assisted implant placement. Schedule a consultation to review your scan and discuss which approach fits your needs. Call or book a consult to get a custom plan and price estimate.