Dental implantation systems and methods are provided, including a system comprising a patient-interacting device having an instrument for preparing a site within a patient's mouth for a dental implant. A guiding device in communication with a fiducial marker engaged with the patient's mouth receives the patient-interacting device, and guides the instrument, relative to the fiducial marker, in conjunction with user manipulation of the patient-interacting device. A controller device including a processor is in communication with the guiding device, and directs the patient-interacting device via the guiding device to prepare the site to receive the dental implant. An engagement sensor is operably engaged with the patient-interacting device and communicates with the controller device. The controller device is responsive to sensed disengagement between the patient-interacting device and the user to direct the guiding device to maintain the patient-interacting device at a minimum vertical disposition. Associated systems and methods are also provided.
