Evaluation of the precision of three implant transfer impression techniques using two elastomeric impression...

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Prosthodontics
• Materials Science in Dentistry

Background:

• Accurate fabrication of definitive casts is crucial for successful implant-supported prostheses.
• The edentulous mandible presents unique challenges for impression techniques.
• Evaluating different impression techniques and materials is essential for optimizing clinical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of linear implant distances using various impression techniques and materials.
• To assess the influence of direct splinted, direct unsplinted, and indirect impression methods on cast accuracy.
• To determine if different impression materials impact the precision of definitive casts for edentulous mandibles.

Main Methods:

• A master cast with four anterior interforaminal implants was created in polyurethane resin.
• Six technique-material combinations were used for impressions.
• Ten definitive casts were produced per technique, and linear implant distances were measured using a traveling microscope.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in accuracy was found between direct unsplinted and direct splinted impression techniques (P > .05).
• The indirect impression technique resulted in statistically significant differences compared to direct methods (P < .05).
• No statistically significant difference was observed between the two impression materials evaluated.

Conclusions:

• Direct impression techniques, both splinted and unsplinted, provide comparable and accurate linear measurements for implants in the edentulous mandible.
• The indirect impression technique is less accurate for determining inter-implant distances in this context.
• Impression material choice does not significantly affect the accuracy of definitive casts in this study.