Digital Workflow for Double Complete Arch Zirconia Prostheses Utilizing a Novel Scan Body

Abstract

The purpose of this clinical report is to present a complete digital workflow for the fabrication of complete arch fixed zirconia implant restorations. An intraoral scanner was used to capture the implants' position at the abutment level and also the patient's existing interim prostheses with the double digital scanning technique. A novel scan body and impression pin were utilized throughout the scanning process which allowed for the accurate and reproducible superimposition of the generated Standard Tesselation Language (STL) files. Prosthesis prototypes were digitally designed and fabricated, tried in, and verified intraorally. The definitive zirconia prostheses were then fabricated and delivered to the patient. This technique can be utilized in both arches overcoming the absence of stable intraoral landmarks for superimposition of STL files.

Superimposition of intraoral scans of an edentulous arch with implants and implant-supported provisional restoration, implementing a novel implant prosthetic scan body

“…The other discussed technique is that of a system with novel scan bodies, which have the exact internal geometry with temporary cylinders, in conjunction with long interchangeable screws, that project out of the prosthesis, through the screw access channel. [13] These screws serve as stable and reproducible fixed reference points to achieve superimposition of the scans of the well-placed prosthesis and 3D position of the dental implants. This technique overcomes the limitations of the necessity of soft tissue landmarks, or the use of surgical anchor pins.…”

“…[11,12] The superimposition of digitally scanned data is often challenging, especially when there is an absence of stable intraoral landmarks (i.e., teeth, ridge, attached tissue), which can serve as fixed reference points. [12][13][14] A non-accurate superimposition of data can lead to errors in the design and fabrication of the prosthesis, resulting in diminished smile design, a midline discrepancy, occlusal cant, and importantly, a mismatch in the occlusion.…”

Digitally prefabricated versus conventionally fabricated implant-supported full-arch provisional prosthesis: a retrospective cohort study

“…Optimal prosthetic-driven implant placement can be scheduled virtually before surgery using a scanning template [ 15 ]. Digital data from CBCT and intraoral scans can be directly transferred to the manufacturer of surgical templates and provisional prostheses [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Digitally prefabricated versus conventionally fabricated implant-supported full-arch provisional prosthesis: A retrospective cohort study

“…Optimal prosthetic-driven implant placement can be scheduled virtually before surgery using a scanning template [11]. Digital data of CBCT and intraoral scan can be directly transferred to the manufacturer of surgical templates and provisional prostheses [12,13].…”