Augmented Reality and Image-Guided Navigation in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A Review of Literature

Abstract

Augmented Reality (AR) and image-guided navigation systems are increasingly being applied in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) to enhance intraoperative visualization, improve surgical precision and translate virtual surgical planning into accurate clinical execution. These technologies offer potential benefits across a range of procedures, including dental implant placement, orthognathic surgery, craniofacial reconstruction and head and neck oncology, by providing real-time three-dimensional visualization of patient anatomy, supporting decision-making and enhancing surgical confidence and training. The objective of this work was to evaluate the current applications of AR in OMFS and to demonstrate its practical utility through two previously reported illustrative cases of AR-guided implant placement in the upper premolar region.