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Published on: July 15, 2009
Evaluation of impression accuracy for osseointegrated implant supported superstructures
D Herbst1, J C Nel, C H Driessen
1Faculty of Dentistry, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|May 4, 2000
Summary
Comparing four implant impression techniques, this study found all methods highly accurate for reproducing implant positions. The dimensional differences observed were minimal and clinically insignificant, ensuring reliable dental restorations.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Prosthodontics
- Implant Dentistry
Background:
- The necessity of splinting impression copings in implant dentistry remains a subject of debate.
- Various impression coping configurations exist across different implant systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the dimensional accuracy of four distinct impression techniques.
- To assess the fidelity of working casts in reproducing precise implant positions.
Main Methods:
- A master model simulating a clinical scenario was utilized.
- Four techniques were tested: unsplinted tapered copings, unsplinted squared copings, splinted squared copings (acrylic resin), and unsplinted squared copings with a lateral extension.
- Dimensional accuracy was measured using a Reflex microscope (x, y, z-dimensions) by comparing reference points on the master model and transferred abutments.
Main Results:
- All four impression techniques demonstrated high dimensional accuracy.
- A maximum distortion difference of only 0.31% was recorded.
- While statistically significant (P=.022), the differences were minimal.
Conclusions:
- The dimensional accuracy achieved with all tested impression techniques was exceptional.
- Observed discrepancies are considered clinically negligible for dental implant restorations.
