Accuracy of digital scan body impression for implant supported fixed partial denture by using intra and extra-oral scanners (comparative in vitro study)

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the accuracy of digital scan body impression for implant supported fixed partial denture using an intra-oral and extra-oral digital scannerMaterial and Methods: A typodont cast with acrylic teeth was used, afterwards cast duplication and surgical guide were fabricated for drilling 0f implant fixture placement. The scan bodies were fixed on the implant fixture. Samples were divided into two groups. Group 1 intra-oral scanning (IOS) 10 samples using Medit i500 and for Group 2 extra-oral scanner (EOS) 10 samples using Medit T500. The reference model scanned using extra-oral scanner to be transferred as an STL file. That was used as a control group for comparison. The STL files from both groups with the reference model were analyzed by the metrology software Geomagic. For trueness comparison, the IOS and EOS group were supper imposed into the reference cast with scan bodies. For precision comparison the IOS group was over-imposed on one another, and the EOS group technique was also over-imposed on each other.Results: It was found that the precision of both IOS and EOS was clinically accepted with no significant difference between both groups.Conclusion: Through this study, it can be evidenced that the IOS and scan body are a valid alternative to conventional techniques of impressions with elastomeric materials for obtaining accurate restorations of the short-span implant fixed prosthodontics.