Digital versus conventional impression accuracy for complete-arch implant rehabilitation: An in vitro study

Accurate implant position transfer remains critical for passive fit in full-arch implant prostheses, particularly challenging with angulated implants in edentulous mandibles. This in vitro study compared ten digital impressions (TRIOS scanner) versus ten conventional splinted open-tray polyether impressions using an edentulous mandibular model with six implants. Three-dimensional deviations were measured via coordinate measuring machine, revealing no statistically significant differences between techniques via independent t-test analysis. Conventional impressions demonstrated slightly superior X- and Y-axis precision, while digital impressions shows marginally better Z-axis trueness, both proves clinically acceptable. These findings advance prosthodontic practice by validating both digital and conventional impression techniques for complete-arch implant rehabilitation while highlighting conventional method predictability for complex cases.