A few years ago, if you told most dentists that a robot would be helping them place implants, they'd have laughed you out of the room. Robots were for factories and science fiction—not oral surgery.
Then the Yomi system got FDA clearance. And everything changed.
We're not talking about autonomous machines taking over. This isn't a Black Mirror episode. Robotic dental surgery is really about giving skilled surgeons a tool that makes their work more precise—like upgrading from a hand-drawn map to GPS navigation. The surgeon is still driving. The robot just makes sure they don't miss the turn.
The 30-Second Version
Robotic dental surgery uses the Yomi system (made by Neocis) to guide dental implant placement. Before your procedure, the surgeon plans everything digitally using a 3D scan of your jaw. During surgery, the robot provides physical feedback that keeps the drill on the exact planned path. Result: implants placed within 0.1mm of the plan, which is about 20x more accurate than freehand.
That's it. That's the technology.
The rest of this article goes deeper if you want the full picture.
Why We Built a Practice Around This
"When I first saw Yomi demonstrated, I knew I was looking at the future of implant dentistry. Not a gimmick—the actual future. I could either spend my career doing things the old way, or I could help build what comes next. That wasn't a hard choice."
— Dr. Al, Oral Surgeon, Teeth+Robots
Most dental practices add robotic capability as an afterthought. We did the opposite. Teeth+Robots was founded specifically around this technology because we believe it should be the standard of care, not a premium add-on.
The traditional approach to implants—freehand drilling based on X-rays and experience—works. Surgeons have been doing it for decades. But "works" isn't the same as "optimal." When you can place an implant within a hair's width of the planned position, outcomes get better. Recovery gets faster. Complications drop.
Why would you choose anything else?
How the Procedure Actually Works
Here's what happens when you get robotic dental implants at our practice:
First: The Scan
You get a cone-beam CT scan. Takes about 30 seconds. This creates a detailed 3D model of your jaw—bone density, nerve locations, sinus cavities, existing teeth, everything. It's like Google Earth for your mouth.
Then: The Planning
This is where the real work happens, honestly. Your surgeon spends time (sometimes hours for complex cases) planning exactly where each implant will go. They're looking for the best bone, the best angles, the positions that will support your final teeth perfectly. All of this happens before you're ever in the chair.
Surgery Day
The Yomi robot arm attaches to the surgical handpiece. As the surgeon drills, the robot provides haptic feedback—physical resistance if they start to deviate from the plan. It's not controlling the surgeon's hands. It's more like bumper rails at a bowling alley. You can still throw the ball however you want, but it keeps you out of the gutter.
The system tracks position in real time, down to fractions of a millimeter. If something unexpected comes up (anatomy is never exactly like the scan), the surgeon can adjust. But they always know exactly where they are relative to the plan.
"I was honestly more nervous about the robot than the surgery itself. But once Dr. Al explained that he was still doing everything—the robot was just helping him be more precise—it actually made me feel better. Like having a co-pilot. The whole thing took maybe two hours, and I was eating soft foods the next day."
— Maria T., full arch patient, Las Vegas
The Honest Downsides
Look, we're not going to pretend this technology is perfect. Here's what you should know:
Not every case needs it. A single straightforward implant in good bone? An experienced surgeon can do that freehand with excellent results. The robotic advantage shows up most in complex cases—multiple implants, limited bone, anatomy close to nerves.
The technology is only as good as the planning. A rushed or poorly-thought-out surgical plan, executed perfectly by the robot, is still a bad plan. The human judgment piece matters enormously.
It's newer. Yomi has been in use since 2017, with thousands of successful procedures. But it doesn't have the 30-year track record of traditional implant techniques. If long track records matter to you, that's fair.
We use this technology because we believe the precision benefits outweigh these considerations. But you should make that call for yourself.
What About Safety?
The Yomi system is FDA-cleared—same approval process as any medical device. It's been used in thousands of procedures without serious incidents.
But here's what actually makes it safe:
- The surgeon is always in control. Always. The robot cannot operate independently.
- Haptic boundaries physically prevent the drill from entering "no-go zones" near nerves or sinuses.
- If anything goes wrong—power failure, tracking loss, whatever—the system stops. It fails safe.
- Surgeons complete extensive certification before using the system. You don't just buy a Yomi and start drilling.
Is it safer than traditional surgery? Probably, in the sense that more precision generally means fewer complications. But traditional implant surgery is already quite safe. This is incremental improvement, not a revolution in safety.
Cost
Here's what you'll pay at Teeth+Robots:
- Single implant: Starting at $2,250
- Full arch (All-on-4 style): Starting at $10,000 per arch
- Financing: From $149/month with approved credit
These prices include the robotic guidance—we don't charge extra for it. Some practices do.
Is it cheaper than other options? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Dental implant pricing varies wildly depending on location, materials, and what's included. We've seen practices charge more for traditional freehand implants than we charge for robot-guided ones. Do your research.
Want to See If You're a Candidate?
Free consultation includes a 3D scan and treatment plan. No obligation, no pressure.
Book Free ConsultationWho Should Consider Robotic Implants?
Good candidates include anyone who needs dental implants, but especially:
- Full arch cases (replacing all teeth on top or bottom)
- Cases with limited bone or difficult anatomy
- Implants near the sinuses or major nerves
- Patients who've had implant failures before
- Anyone who wants same-day teeth
The precision of robotic surgery enables same-day procedures that would be riskier with freehand techniques. When you know exactly where every implant is going, you can confidently attach temporary teeth the same day.
Common Questions
Does it hurt?
Most patients report less discomfort than expected. The precision means less tissue trauma, and we use modern sedation. But yes, it's surgery. There's some recovery involved.
How long until I can eat normally?
Soft foods within 24-48 hours for most patients. Full chewing ability depends on your case—could be same-day for immediate load cases, or 3-6 months for traditional healing protocols.
What if something goes wrong during surgery?
The surgeon can deviate from the robotic plan at any time. They're not locked in. If anatomy is different than expected, or something unusual comes up, they adjust. The robot is a tool, not a boss.
Will my insurance cover this?
If your insurance covers dental implants, it typically covers robotic-assisted implants the same way. The robot is a surgical technique, not a separate billable item.
The Bottom Line
Robotic dental surgery is a better way to place implants. Not dramatically different—you're still getting titanium posts in your jaw that will eventually hold permanent teeth. But more precise. More predictable. Often faster to heal.
Is it right for everyone? No. Is it the future of implant dentistry? We think so. The technology will only get better.
If you're considering implants and want to explore this option, come in for a consultation. See the technology. Ask questions. Then decide what's right for you.