Yesterday, it is reported that a robot has successfully carried out an implant surgery on a patient in China. According to the report as covered by UK Independent, the incredible dental operation without help from humans becomes the first time a Robot will be undergoing such task.
Although medical staff were present during the one-hour surgery in Xian, Shaanxi province, they did not play an active role, the report stated. South China Morning Post disclosed that two new teeth, created by 3D printing, were successfully implanted into a woman’s mouth.
Commenting on the origin of the Robot, the report revealed that the robot was developed by Beihang University in Beijing and the Fourth Military Medical University’s Stomatological Hospital. According to Dr Zhao Yimin, who works at the hospital, the robot was designed to carry out dental procedures and avoid mistakes made by human error.
The whole process was really remarkable as the Robot simply followed a set of pre-programmed commands to fit the implants into the patient’s mouth. However, the Robot was able to make adjustments as the woman moved.
Talking on the need for the Robot, the report disclosed that the robot was built to help deal with China’s shortage of qualified dentists, adding that Hong Kong and Singapore were also facing a shortage of dentists. According to the report, there are around 400 million patients in need of new teeth in China.
As much as some praise the process, especially as it allows doctors to perform complicated surgery with more precision, some others still question whether these operations are safe.
Correspondent: Ridwan A Olayiwola
