Comparative Evaluation Of Three-Dimensional Accuracy And Time Efficiency Of Conventional Versus Digital Impression Technique For Complete Arch Implant Level Impression: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the trueness and time efficiency of conventional open tray impressions and digital impression for complete arch implant level impression.
METHODS:
A total number of 33 impressions were made using a fabricated master model with five implant replicas in the interforaminal region. The samples were divided into three groups with 11 samples in each group. Group 1: open tray splinted polyvinyl siloxane impression, Group 2: open tray splinted polyether impression and Group 3: digital impression. Conventional impressions were made using a custom tray and respective impression materials, while digital impressions were obtained using an intraoral scanner and implant scan body. A computerized coordinate measuring machine was used to assess the three dimensional accuracy. Time efficiency was analyzed by recording total treatment time, including preparation and working time, as well as the number of retakes/rescans. One way ANOVA and Post Hoc tests were used for data analysi s (α = 0.05).
RESULTS:
No statistically significant difference was found between open tray splinted polyvinyl siloxane impression, open tray splinted polyether impression and digital impression groups for linear and angular displacement (p>0.05). However, statistical significant difference was found in time efficiency for the group tested (p<0.05)

CONCLUSION: The accuracy of digital implant impression was comparable to the conventional open tray splinted polyvinyl siloxane, open tray splinted polyether impression. However, digital impression technique had improved time efficient compared to conventional implant impression open tray splinted impression, open tray splinted polyether impression and digital impression technique.