Influence of camera position, implant angulation and implant reference on the accuracy of complete arch implant recordings with photogrammetry.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of various implant angulations, camera positions and number of implant references on the accuracy of a photogrammetry device for complete arch implant prostheses.

Materials and methods: 2 edentulous models, one with 6 parallel implants (PM) and other with 6 angled implants (AM), underwent digitalization with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to establish a reference standard. Both models underwent 20 impressions with 2 different camera positions and 3 different implant references, with a total of 240 impressions. Euclidean linear and angular measurements were obtained on the reference cast and each experimental scan and compared. Absolute (n) and relative frequencies (%) of true and precise measurements at 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Chi-squared tests were used to assess differences in trueness and precision between these factors.

Results: 3660 distances and 1440 angles were analyzed for trueness. The absolute difference was 54 ± 46 µm and 0.341 ± 0.301°. Precision was 18 ± 23 µm from 68400 measured distances and 0.048 ± 0.074° for the 22800 angulations measured. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were identified between PM and Am, A1 and A2 and number of references in both distances and angulations for trueness and precision.

Conclusion: Implant angulations, camera positions and number of implant references used affected the precision and trueness of Precise Implant Capture (PIC) system. However, these differences did not show clinically relevant values.