A Comparative Study of Conventional versus Digital Impression Taking in Implant Dentistry- A Systematic Review

Abstract

A B S T R A C T BACKGROUNDDental implants are one of the most sought-after choice of treatment for restoration and rehabilitation of missing teeth. However, the accuracy of removable or fixed superstructures over the dental implants is influenced for a major proportion by the impression techniques and materials. This paper discusses the comparison of the accuracy of different conventional impression materials and techniques and the intra oral scanners, used in the second stage of the dental implant treatment. The objective of the paper is to compare the accuracy of impressions obtained using conventional impression and intra oral scanners, in the second stage of the dental implant treatment. METHODSIn order to perform the study, a PICO framework was formulated, and the topic of the paper was rephrased accordingly. The PICO framework for the topic of interest chosen is outlined. The keywords were thoroughly searched in scientific databases including the Cochrane Library of Databases, PubMed Central, Wiley Online Library and Google Scholar. The key terms used for the search were dental implants, impression materials, impression techniques, digital impression, intra oral scanners, accuracy and success. RESULTSAmong the different impression materials taken into the comparative study for the conventional impressions, it was observed that polyvinyl siloxane exhibited a dimensional accuracy slightly greater than polyether. However, light body putty exhibited greater accuracy than medium body putty. Various impression techniques were compared to evaluate the dimensional accuracy of the impression. It was observed that the open tray technique and splinted impression technique produced a more dimensionally stable impression than the other techniques. Among conventional and digital impressions, it was observed that intra oral scanners exhibited a greater degree of accuracy. CONCLUSIONSThis study is to comparatively assess the accuracy of conventional and digital impression of dental implants in the second stage of treatment. Although accuracy is greater in digital impressions since there is no likelihood of distortions or dimensional changes or any delay in pouring of models; however, incomplete capture of sub-gingival details, image obscured due to bleeding are possible with intra-oral scanners. Hence, between conventional and digital impressions, the dentist may gradually need to upgrade to the technology and advancements.