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Digitization of One-Piece Oral Implants: A Feasibility Study
Stefano Pieralli1,2, Benedikt Christopher Spies1,2, Luisa Valentina Kohnen1
1Department of Prosthodontics, Geriatric Dentistry and Craniomandibular Disorders, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Aßmannshauser Str. 4-6, 14197 Berlin, Germany.
Digitizing one-piece ceramic oral implants without scan bodies is as accurate as two-piece titanium implants with scan bodies, but less accurate than natural teeth. Virtual reconstruction can improve accuracy of incomplete scans.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials and Dental Technology
- Digital Dentistry and Imaging
Background:
- Scan bodies are crucial for accurate digital impressions of two-piece oral implants.
- The accuracy of digitizing one-piece ceramic implants without scan bodies requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy of digitizing one-piece ceramic (OC) implants versus two-piece titanium (TT) implants with scan bodies and natural teeth (ST).
- To evaluate the impact of virtual reconstruction on incomplete ceramic implant scans.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study involving digitization of OC, TT implants, and ST in a typodont model using two intraoral scanners.
- Comparison of virtual datasets against a 3D laser scanner reference using best-fit alignment.
- Measurement of circumferential and marginal discrepancies; statistical analysis using ANOVA and t-tests.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in circumferential deviations between ST, TT, and OC; however, OC1-4 showed increased deviations.
- Marginal deviations were smallest for ST, with no significant differences between TT, OC, and OC1-4.
- Scanner type did not significantly affect outcomes, except for marginal deviation of OC.
Conclusions:
- Digitization of one-piece ceramic implants is comparable in accuracy to two-piece titanium implants but less accurate than natural teeth.
- Virtual reconstruction can effectively improve the accuracy of compromised digital scans of ceramic implants.
