Augmented reality (AR) is a new technology that has provided a growing number of applications in the medical field. The goal of AR technology is to make the surgical field more visible during an operation. Currently, this goal is achieved by using special glasses that accurately display either navigation or static diagnostic pictures. Because dental implant procedures demand biomechanical, functional, phonetical, and esthetical results, precise placement and direction is required. The objective of this study is to evaluate the implant deviation between navigation systems and laboratory guides with and without augmented reality techniques. Ten patients who were eligible for single tooth implant placement were divided into two groups: 1) AR glasses group (navigation system and laboratory guide with augmented reality technique) and 2) non-AR glasses group (navigation system and laboratory guide without augmented reality technique). Each group was composed of five implants. Preoperative Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was transferred along with implant planning software to plan the optimal implant position. All implants were placed by one operator. The cases that the operator wore the AR glasses when treating were counted in AR glasses group. The postoperative CBCT were provided to the patients. The postoperative 3D data were then superimposed onto the preoperative plan to evaluate the implant deviation.

The 3D angular implant deviations in the AR glasses group versus the non-AR glasses group were 1.68 ± 1.18 degrees and 2.46 ± 2.17 degrees respectively. Mean 3D entry point and apical implant deviations in the AR glasses group were 1.03 ± 0.39 mm and 1.21 ± 0.36 mm respectively. Mean 3D entry point and apical implant deviations in the non-AR glasses group were 1.05 ± 0.44 mm and 1.27 ± 0.52 mm respectively. No significant differences were found between the two groups. However, the AR glasses group tended to show less deviation. Augmented reality can eliminate the hand-eye coordination problems by allowing the operator to see both the surgical site and the navigation system display in the same field.