APPLICATION AND SUCCESS OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY IN FIXED PROSTHODONTICS; A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

In terms of the clinical and technological viability of full digital workflows, the long-term outcomes, and the financial ramifications, it is critical to comprehend how the present digitalization trend is altering well-established procedures. The scientific literature was initially screened for data documenting the use of full digital workflows in fixed prosthodontics for treatment with tooth-borne or implant-supported fixed restorations in 2017.
In fully edentulous arches with multiple implants, conflicting evidence exists regarding the superiority of IOS over traditional impressions. Some studies suggest that IOS is either statistically significant or equally accurate as traditional methods, while others indicate the opposite. Factors such as scanner type, generation, operator experience, and implant angulation may influence scanning accuracy. However, the majority of scanners provide complete-arch accuracy values below the clinically acceptable threshold of 150 μm.
In conclusion, the evaluation of intraoral scanning (IOS) accuracy in implant-supported restorations reveals a nuanced landscape. In short-span implant edentulous locations, IOS accuracy has been compared to traditional impression accuracy, primarily focusing on prostheses supported by up to four implants in the same quadrant. While some studies show statistical superiority of traditional approaches, IOS devices exhibit varying degrees of accuracy, with deviations ranging from 27 to 66 μm. However, the clinical significance of these differences remains unclear.