A robotic "self-guiding" dental drill received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration to be tested on humans. Developed by Israel's Tactile Technologies, the system is designed to improve dental implant operations where a small metal pin is installed to act as a root for artificial teeth and bridges. From New Scientist:
Firstly, a frame is clamped onto a patient's jaw and very thin needles penetrate the gum to determine the location of the bone. This data is wirelessly transmitted to a PC, which combines it with CT scan data to configure a set of drill guides. The guides are then attached to the frame and finally the dentist presses a button to start the drilling in the precise location required…"The system causes less trauma and brings dental implants to the general practitioner," says Kinrot, who designed the system. "Today it is only done by experts."
