Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
06:51
Measuring the Complete-arch Distortion of an Optical Dental Impression
Published on: May 30, 2019
8.1K
Patient-centered outcomes comparing digital and conventional implant impression procedures: a randomized crossover
1Division of Fixed Prosthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
Clinical Oral Implants Research
|April 14, 2015
Summary
Digital intraoral scanning (IOS) for dental implants is preferred by patients and is more time-efficient than conventional impressions. This study found patients reported higher convenience with IOS, making it a superior choice for implant restorations.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Conventional dental impressions can be uncomfortable for patients.
- Advancements in digital dentistry offer potential improvements in patient experience and efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient-centered outcomes between digital intraoral scanning (IOS) and conventional polyether impressions for single-tooth implant restorations.
- To assess patient satisfaction and clinical work time for both impression techniques.
Main Methods:
- A crossover randomized controlled trial was conducted with 20 patients receiving implant-supported crowns.
- Intraoral scanning (IOS) and conventional polyether impressions were performed for each patient.
- Patient convenience was evaluated using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaires, and clinical work time was recorded.
Main Results:
- Patients reported significantly higher convenience with IOS (mean VAS 78.6) compared to conventional impressions (mean VAS 53.6) (P=0.0001).
- All patients expressed a preference for the digital workflow for future treatments.
- IOS was significantly faster, with a mean clinical work time of 14.8 minutes versus 17.9 minutes for conventional impressions (P=0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Both digital and conventional impression methods successfully captured 3D implant positions for restorations.
- The digital impression technique, IOS, demonstrated superior patient-centered outcomes and improved time-efficiency compared to conventional methods.
- IOS represents a preferred and more effective approach for dental implant impressions.
