Static-Computer Assisted Implant Surgery: Where Are We Now?

BACKGROUND: Static Computer-Assisted Implant Surgery (s-CAIS) has become a widely accepted standard in guided implant placement, leveraging advancements in digital technologies. Despite its widespread adoption, s-CAIS faces several limitations, and emerging alternatives like dynamic and robotic CAIS are gaining traction. METHODS: This narrative review synthesises the current literature on s-CAIS to provide a comprehensive overview of its current state, clinical applications, and future potentials. Key aspects included s-CAIS terminology and componentry, indications, clinical outcomes, patient-reported experience, educational implications, advantages, and limitations. RESULTS: s-CAIS demonstrates superior accuracy compared to non-guided surgery. It can enhance efficiency in complex cases and facilitate minimally invasive and immediate loading protocols. However, limitations include restricted intraoperative flexibility, higher costs, and challenges in cases with limited access or unusual anatomy. CONCLUSION: Despite emerging technologies such as dynamic navigation and robotic assistance, s-CAIS remains a predictable and widely used modality for guided implant placement. Clinicians should weigh its advantages against limitations and consider patient-specific factors when selecting guided surgery approaches. Further research should prioritise collective assessment of clinical and patient-reported outcomes over accuracy metrics alone.