Impact of 3D Navigation on the Accuracy of Dental Implant Positioning in Full-Jaw Rehabilitation

Introduction: Accurate implant placement is essential for successful full-jaw rehabilitation. Three-dimensional (3D) navigation systems improve the precision of implant positioning compared with traditional freehand methods. However, the evidence regarding the relative accuracy of different navigation modalities remains inconsistent. This systematic review aimed to analyze the impact of various three-dimensional navigational technologies, including static, dynamic, augmented reality-based, and robotic systems, on implant placement accuracy in full-arch rehabilitation Methods: Major databases like PubMed, Scopus, etc., were searched according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines.17 Eligible studies analyzed the accuracy of implant positioning using different navigation techniques. Coronal, apical, and angular deviations were extracted, and heterogeneity was calculated using the I² statistic.Results: Seventeen studies were included in the review. The mean coronal deviation for navigation-assisted placement ranged from 0.6 to 1.8 mm, compared with 2.0 to 2.5 mm for freehand techniques. Apical deviations averaged 0.8 mm for navigation and 1.4 mm for freehand placement, while angular deviations decreased from 6.8° (freehand) to 4.0° (navigation). Navigation systems produced a significant reduction reduced coronal deviation compared with freehand placement (p < 0.001). Robotic systems demonstrated the highest accuracy, followed by static and dynamic navigation. Heterogeneity ranged from low to moderate (I² = 28–57%).Conclusions: 3D navigation systems provide superior accuracy in implant positioning compared with freehand methods. These findings support the adoption of 3D navigation as a standard approach for achieving predictable and precise outcomes in full-jaw rehabilitation.