Accuracy is a behavior, not a number: a metrological reporting framework for complete-arch implant scanning

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Metrology
• Digital Dentistry

Background:

• Complete-arch implant scanning studies report accuracy inconsistently.
• Lack of standardized reporting hinders cross-study comparison and clinical relevance.
• Existing methods do not fully capture prosthetic requirements for rigid multi-implant seating.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a metrological reporting framework for complete-arch implant scanning.
• To improve cross-study comparability.
• To enhance prosthetically relevant interpretation of scanning accuracy.

Main Methods:

• Critically examined accuracy endpoints in complete-arch implant scanning studies.
• Interpreted endpoints using International Organization for Standardization (ISO) metrology terminology.
• Considered the prosthetic requirement for rigid multi-implant seating.

Main Results:

• Proposed four complementary reporting domains: global surface deviation, site-specific deviation, implant pose error (translational and angular), and fit-related descriptors.
• Recommended reporting specific alignment surfaces, MUA/implant-level pose error, and robust metrics like 95th percentile deviation.
• Emphasized transparent reporting of reference data, registration strategy, and measurement settings.

Conclusions:

• Complete-arch implant scanning accuracy requires more than a single endpoint.
• A structured metrological framework can differentiate global agreement, implant positional error, and fit discrepancy.
• Clearer reporting standards support clinically meaningful interpretation and reduce confusion from non-equivalent outcomes.