Clinical Outcomes of Digital Workflow In Implant-Supported Fixed Partial Dentures: A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Digital workflows are increasingly used in implant prosthodontics to simplify treatment procedures, improve efficiency, and enhance patient experience. However, prospective comparative evidence concerning their clinical performance in implant-supported fixed partial dentures (ISFPDs) remains limited. The study aims to compare digital and conventional workflows for ISFPDs in terms of clinical and prosthetic outcomes, treatment efficiency, and patient-reported outcomes. This prospective comparative study included 60 participants equally allocated to digital and conventional workflow groups. Peri-implant parameters, prosthetic complications, treatment efficiency, and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated. Assessments were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Between-group differences and correlations were statistically analyzed. Peri-implant outcomes were generally comparable between groups, with no sustained differences in bleeding on probing or probing depth. The digital workflow required significantly fewer chairside adjustments and significantly reduced impression/scanning, total chairside, and adjustment times. Procedural comfort, overall treatment experience, and overall satisfaction were significantly greater with the digital workflow. Functional and esthetic satisfaction remained comparable. Longer procedural times were significantly associated with lower patient comfort and satisfaction. Digital and conventional workflows provided comparable peri-implant and overall prosthetic performance. However, the digital workflow offered important advantages in treatment efficiency, reduced chairside adjustment, procedural comfort, and overall patient satisfaction, supporting its use as an efficient and patient-centered approach for ISFPD rehabilitation.