Digital impression accuracy for bone-level and tissue-level implants using scan bodies of different heights

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Digital Dentistry
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Intraoral scanning (IOS) offers accuracy comparable to conventional implant impressions.
• Factors influencing IOS accuracy require further investigation for optimal clinical application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of digital impressions using different intraoral scanners.
• To evaluate the influence of implant placement level (tissue vs. bone) and scan body height (short vs. regular) on digital impression accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Two mandibular models with missing teeth were prepared with either tissue-level or bone-level implants.
• Models were scanned using a reference scanner and two intraoral scanners (Medit i700, Cerec Primescan) with short and regular scan bodies.
• Deviation between reference and experimental STL files was quantified to assess trueness.

Main Results:

• The Medit i700 showed smaller scan discrepancies than the Cerec Primescan.
• Shorter scan bodies resulted in higher trueness for both intraoral scanners.
• Tissue-level implants demonstrated superior trueness and precision compared to bone-level implants (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Both implant placement level and scan body height significantly impact digital impression accuracy.
• Clinicians should consider these factors when selecting intraoral scanners and scan bodies for implant restorations.