Dentists Could Be Replaced By Tiny Dental Robots

Researchers at the University of Basel have created a miniature dental robot that could one day automatically prepare teeth for crowns, a development that may reduce the number of dental appointments needed.

At present, treating tooth decay that requires a crown involves several visits. A dentist removes decay, prepares the tooth, takes an impression, and fits a temporary crown. The permanent crown is then produced and placed at a later appointment.

The new prototype, developed at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, aims to speed up this process. The device, named “MIR” (Miniature Intraoral Robot), is about the size of a wine cork, measuring 43 by 26 by 28 millimeters. Its motors and control system are located outside the device and connected through flexible shafts, cables, and tubes. It is designed to fit inside an open mouth.

The system prepares teeth based on a digital treatment plan. After an initial scan, dentists could plan the removal of tooth material and order a crown immediately instead of waiting for another visit.

The scan is also used to create a custom dental splint that holds the robot in place during treatment. The device moves with the patient even if they change head position.

In tests on synthetic tooth models and ceramic materials similar to enamel, the robot works in two steps. First, a wider drill reduces the tooth surface, then a thinner drill shapes the sides.

Even without sensors to correct its position, the robot achieved high precision, with a positional error of less than 0.2 millimeters. Drilling forces remained below five newtons, and researchers are also studying the system’s noise levels.

Future development will focus on adding sensors and a camera so the robot can track its position and treatment progress. The aim is for it to continue working accurately even after interruptions, without increasing its size.

Researchers are continuing to collaborate with dental and medical partners to refine robotic systems for clinical use.