Soft tissue surgery and scanners: applications and perspectives into clinical research

With the advent of digital dentistry, we have more accurate intraoral scanners (IOSs) than ever before. Overcoming various difficulties with conventional impression techniques, optical IOSs are now widely used within the restorative and orthodontic specialities. In recent years, IOSs have been steadily integrated into soft tissue surgery, and guided implant surgery.The aim of this review article is to examine current applications and methodologies when using digital scanners to quantify outcomes in soft tissue surgery. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of current techniques are discussed, alongside an insight into the new perspectives generated by this technology. Areas for future research are highlighted.This overview of contemporary literature leads to the conclusion that current IOSs are sufficiently accurate for assessing and monitoring soft tissue changes; however, further studies are needed to address the complexities of scanning mobile tissues.