Photogrammetry in Dentistry: From Digital Impressions to Clinical Workflows

A three-dimensional digital technology called photogrammetry is gaining popularity and is becoming a valuable tool in dentistry, especially when it comes to documenting the position of dental implants and creating complex digital workflows. This narrative review discusses the principles, methods, applications, accuracy, benefits, limitations, and current clinical applications of photogrammetry in dental practice, with a specific focus on implant-supported rehabilitation and complete-arch digital impressions. The use of conventional photogrammetry, stereophotogrammetry, image acquisition, three-dimensional coordinate reconstruction, intraoral scanning, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and digital implant workflows is discussed. There is currently evidence that photogrammetric methods can be used to record complete-arch implant position with high trueness and precision, and in certain experimental and clinical trials, lower deviations in 3D and angular measurements were reported than with intraoral scanning. But it is hard to compare results across studies because of variations in the types of photogrammetric systems, acquisition protocols, designs of reference markers, software algorithms, distributions of implants, and methods of measurements. In addition, the intraoral surface anatomy and soft-tissue morphology captured routinely via photogrammetry are not as complete as what can be captured by intraoral scanning, and so a combined workflow may collect more comprehensive digital information. As the technology advances, photogrammetry is shifting away from the role of simply recording the position of implants and moving towards utilizing it as a part of digital dentistry, with possibilities in prosthodontics, implant dentistry, facial scanning, maxillofacial rehabilitation, and computer-assisted treatment planning.