Three dimensional comparison of accuracy of conventional impressions versus digital impressions and passivity of jigs in implant supported restorations- A Clinical Study

Abstract

Statement of problem: To what extent the accuracy of digital impressions compared with conventional impressions is sufficiently accurate or not. Comparative clinical evidence are confined, emphasizing the need for studies evaluating and comparing the accuracies between both types of impressions for implant supported restorations. Aim: Aim of present clinical study was to acquire the trueness of the digital scans acquired by using intraoral scanners with conventional dental implant impressions in clinical setting. Material & Methods: Ten patients having 2 or more than 2 consecutive implants were performed both conventional and digital impressions. STL files of conventional and 3D printed digital model were compared to control STL files via directly intraoral scanning using Exocad software. A paired t test was used to analyse the accuracy of impressions. Result: The 3 dimensional accuracy for digital impression was found significantly better to conventional impression in vertical (p<0.001) and depth (p<0.001) position of implant. Conventional and digital impressions were comparable to each other in horizontal plane(p=0.810). Conclusion: Both conventional and digital method reproduced the accuracies of linear distance measurements with minimum differences towards digital group. Digital impressions are comparable to conventional impression in most areas except vertical and depth of implant position.