Conventional and digital complete-arch implant impression techniques: An in vitro study comparing accuracy

A guide for selecting the intraoral scan extension when fabricating tooth‐ and implant‐supported fixed dental prostheses

“…The accuracy of IOSs for fabricating implant-supported restorations has been analyzed in the dental literature. 4,7,8,11,[36][37][38][39][40][41] The accuracy of IOSs for fabricating implant-supported crowns and short-span FDPs is similar to that obtained when using conventional procedures. 4,7,8,36,40 However, complete-arch intraoral implant scans for fabricating complete-arch implant-supported prostheses appear to have higher variability.…”

“…The accuracy of IOSs for fabricating implant‐supported crowns and short‐span FDPs is similar to that obtained when using conventional procedures 4,7,8,36,40 . However, complete‐arch intraoral implant scans for fabricating complete‐arch implant‐supported prostheses appear to have higher variability 37–39,41 . Therefore, a systematic recommendation of intraoral digital scans for fabricating extensive implant‐supported restorations is challenging.…”

“…The accuracy of IOSs for fabricating implant‐supported restorations has been analyzed in the dental literature 4,7,8,11,36–41 . The accuracy of IOSs for fabricating implant‐supported crowns and short‐span FDPs is similar to that obtained when using conventional procedures 4,7,8,36,40 .…”

“…4,7,8,36,40 However, complete-arch intraoral implant scans for fabricating complete-arch implant-supported prostheses appear to have higher variability. [37][38][39]41 Therefore, a systematic recommendation of intraoral digital scans for fabricating extensive implant-supported restorations is challenging.…”

“…The variables to consider regarding scan extension include the number and location of units being restored and the extension and location of edentulous areas. Additionally, in order to understand the proposed decision tree, it is important to review the published data regarding the accuracy of intraoral scans for fabricating tooth‐ 4–35 and implant‐supported restorations, 4,7,8,36–41 as well as the reported accuracy discrepancies between complete‐ and half‐arch intraoral scans 15–19 . Moreover, the accuracy of virtual definitive casts and the accuracy of the recorded maxillomandibular relationship captured by using IOSs should be differentiated.…”