Xi'an, Nov. 5 – A team from the Stomatological Hospital of Air Force Medical University has made medical history by performing the world's first maxillary implant restoration surgery assisted by a dental implant robot under general anesthesia. The breakthrough procedure offers new hope to patients with severe gag reflexes who were previously unable to undergo conventional denture treatments.
The 64-year-old patient, surnamed Zhao, had long suffered from tooth loss but couldn't wear removable dentures due to an extreme gag reflex, severely impacting his eating and quality of life. The condition made traditional implant surgery high-risk, as even mild oral stimulation could trigger violent vomiting or suffocation.
To address this challenge, the multidisciplinary team led by Associate Professor Zhou Wei developed a personalized plan. Under general anesthesia-enhanced with lidocaine aerosol to reduce oral sensitivity-the implant robot precisely positioned the jawbone structure using custom guides and palatal anchors. It implanted multiple implants with submillimeter accuracy, ensuring minimal tissue trauma.
Shortly after the patient regained consciousness and stabilized, the team used digital intraoral scanning to capture real-time oral data, fabricating a well-fitted temporary prosthesis immediately. "The surgery was painless, and now I can eat and speak normally again," the patient expressed excitedly.
This milestone breaks the technical barrier in implant restoration for patients with severe gag reflexes, showcasing the transformative potential of digital and robotic technologies in complex dental care.