A Novel Intraoral Optical Scan-Transfer Device for Full-Arch Implant Reconstruction.

Abstract

Background: Dental implantology has undergone significant advancements with the integration of digital workflows, transforming the processes of planning, designing, surgical delivery, and prosthetic rehabilitation. Among these innovations, intraoral optical scanning (IOS) has emerged as a preferred method over traditional analogue impressions. This preference is due to its cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and streamlined patient-friendly use while producing clinically acceptable results in terms of trueness and precision, particularly for short-span implant prostheses. Methods: However, the clinical utility of intraoral scanning is significantly affected by the lack of reference points and difficulties in moisture and bleeding control at the time of immediate implant placement surgery in the fully edentulous arch. Current evidence supports the general consensus that the traditional analog impression technique still provides superior trueness and precision compared to IOS, specifically in full-arch implant cases. Results: The continuous quest for precision in dental implantology has led to the introduction of photogrammetry, which is now considered the most accurate technique for the digital scanning of dental implants. Photogrammetry has demonstrated superior results compared to those obtained using the analog technique. Conclusions: The aim of this case report is to provide an overview of analog techniques, digital intraoral optical scanning, and photogrammetry, setting the stage for the introduction of a novel technique involving a dedicated optical scan-transfer device (IPD^®) that can be scanned with ease using IOS, either intra- or extra-orally, due to its unique design features and digital properties.