[Digital implant impression taking - an overview].

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Digital Dentistry
• Prosthodontics

Context:

• Intraoral scanning systems are increasingly utilized in dental practices.
• Scanning prepared teeth is standard, with growing application for dental implants.
• Traditional methods for implant impressions involve impression materials, dental stone, and copings.

Purpose:

• To describe step-by-step techniques for the digital intraoral scanning of dental implants.
• To demonstrate workflows, possibilities, and limitations of scanning implants using specific intraoral scanner systems.
• To present an alternative to conventional impression techniques for implant-supported restorations.

Summary:

• This clinical report details the direct digital scanning of intraoral dental implants using two systems: Lava™ C.O.S. (3M Espe) and CEREC AC (Sirona).
• The techniques described enable the generation of implant suprastructures without conventional impression materials, dental stone, or implant impression copings.
• The report illustrates various workflows, potential applications, and the inherent limitations associated with scanning dental implants directly in the mouth.

Impact:

• Facilitates the adoption of digital workflows for implant dentistry.
• Potentially reduces chair time and material costs associated with traditional impressions.
• Provides clinicians with a comprehensive guide to digital implant scanning techniques and considerations.