Research Appraisals
Evidence-based critical appraisals of the latest medical research, systematically evaluated using Oxford CEBM methodology.
Showing 2 appraisals
Journal of prosthodontic research
AI-driven innovations for dental implant treatment planning: A systematic review
PURPOSE: This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) models in dental implant treatment planning, focusing on: 1) identification, detection, and segmentation of anatomical structures; 2) technical assistance during treatment planning; and 3) additional relevant applications. STUDY SELECTION: A literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted for studies published in English until July 31, 2024. The included studies explored AI applications in implant treatment planning, excluding expert opinions, guidelines, and protocols. Three reviewers independently assessed study quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Quasi-Experimental Studies, resolving disagreements by consensus. RESULTS: Of the 28 included studies, four were high, four were medium, and 20 were low quality according to the JBI scale. Eighteen studies on anatomical segmentation have demonstrated AI models with accuracy rates ranging from 66.4% to 99.1%. Eight studies examined AI's role in technical assistance for surgical planning, demonstrating its potential in predicting jawbone mineral density, optimizing drilling protocols, and classifying plans for maxillary sinus augmentation. One study indicated a learning curve for AI in implant planning, recommending at least 50 images for over 70% predictive accuracy. Another study reported 83% accuracy in localizing stent markers for implant sites, suggesting additional imaging planes to address a 17% miss rate and 2.8% false positives. CONCLUSIONS: AI models exhibit potential for automating dental implant planning with high accuracy in anatomical segmentation and insightful technical assistance. However, further well-designed studies with standardized evaluation parameters are required for pragmatic integration into clinical settings.
13 Apr 2026
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Dimensional Changes of the Alveolar Ridge After Tooth Extraction Using the Socket Shield Technique Without Immediate Implant Placement: A Randomized Controlled Study
PURPOSE: To compare radiographic dimensional changes in postextraction sites treated with spontaneous healing versus the modified socket shield technique (mSST) without immediate placement using CBCT scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized clinical study included 80 patients with a single maxillary anterior tooth that was not restorable. Patients were divided into two equal groups: (1) the test group, which used the mSST, and (2) the control group, which used the atraumatic extraction technique with spontaneous healing. CBCT scans were performed at baseline (before or immediately after extraction) and 6 months postsurgery. Measurements included alveolar ridge width at 1-mm, 3-mm, and 5-mm levels and buccal and palatal bone plate heights. Following this, implants were placed, and their primary stability was assessed. The main intervention was the use of the mSST compared to the atraumatic tooth extraction technique. The primary outcome was the change in buccal bone plate height over a 6-month follow-up period. In addition, covariates included patient age and sex. Paired t tests and independent t tests were used to evaluate intra- and intergroup differences, respectively. Statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: In the test group, a significant reduction in palatal wall height was observed (P < .001), while no significant changes were noted in other parameters (P ≥ .05). In the control group, significant decreases were observed in buccal and palatal plate heights as well as ridge width (P < .05). When comparing the groups, the test group demonstrated significantly less buccal wall height and ridge width resorption than the control group (P < .05). However, no significant difference was observed in palatal plate height resorption between the two groups (P = .507). The test group exhibited significantly higher primary stability rates compared to the control group (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The mSST with delayed implant placement demonstrated superior maintenance of buccal bone plate height and ridge width, along with significantly greater primary implant stability, compared to spontaneously healed sockets. This approach is beneficial for maintaining ridge integrity when immediate implant placement is not planned.
4 Apr 2026
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