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Accuracy of Digital and Conventional Implant-Level Impression Techniques for Maxillary Full-Arch Screw-Retained Prosthesis: A Crossover Randomized Trial | Knowture Research Hub

About This Research Video

Full-arch screw-retained prostheses are among the most challenging dental restorations, particularly when treating patients with severe maxillary bone atrophy. Achieving an accurate, passive fit between the prosthetic framework and the underlying implants is vital to avoid biological and mechanical complications such as marginal bone loss, screw loosening, or framework fracture. In modern prosthodontics, the shift towards digital impression techniques promises faster, more comfortable workflows—but how reliable are these digital methods for full-arch, multiple-implant restorations?

In this clinical research video, Dr. Gilan Youssef Altonbary, Associate Professor of Prosthodontics at Mansoura University, Egypt, and PhD holder from both Mansoura University and The Ohio State University, USA, presents the findings of her latest study, published in Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research (Q1, 2024). This crossover randomized clinical trial rigorously compares the accuracy of digital intraoral scanning and conventional implant-level impression techniques in edentulous patients requiring maxillary full-arch screw-retained prostheses.

Watch now on Knowture’s Research Hub:

👉 https://knowture.mans.edu.eg/researches/

Who Should Watch

This video will be of particular interest to:

• Prosthodontists and implant dentistry specialists.

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

• Digital dentistry technology developers.

• Dental postgraduate students and implantology trainees.

• Clinical dental researchers and dental school educators.

Key Research Highlights

• The study involved 12 edentulous patients with atrophied maxillary arches; each fitted with 6 dental implants.

• Both conventional open-tray splinted impression techniques and digital intraoral scanning (Medit I-500 scanner) were applied to each patient.

• Impression accuracy was evaluated using both in vitro (2D and 3D STL file deviation analysis) and in vivo (clinical passive fit tests and radiographic evaluation).

• Digital impressions exhibited significantly higher deviations in both 2D linear measurements and 3D superimposition analysis, especially in the anterior (incisor) regions.

• Clinically, non-passive frameworks were detected in 66.7% of cases with digital impressions, compared to only 16.7% with conventional techniques.

• Radiographic evaluation confirmed a higher rate of implant misfits (50%) in the digital group, versus 16.7% in the conventional group — a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001).

Why This Study Matters

This research addresses a crucial and timely question in implant prosthodontics: Can current digital intraoral scanners reliably capture full-arch implant positions in cases of severe maxillary atrophy? While digital workflows have revolutionized short-span restorations, their limitations in complex full-arch cases remain evident.

Dr. Gilan’s findings emphasize that, for now, conventional splinted open-tray techniques remain the gold standard for achieving precise, passive-fit full-arch implant prostheses, particularly in patients with severe bone resorption and complex implant angulation.

Importantly, the study also highlights factors affecting digital accuracy, such as implant inclination, arch curvature, lack of stable anatomical landmarks, and intraoral scanner limitations. It paves the way for future research into solutions like AI-assisted stitching, photogrammetry, splinted scan bodies, and enhanced dynamic alignment technologies.

Full Research Publication

Published via Wiley Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research (Q1, 2024)

Journal Website: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/17088208

The Research article:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/cid.13336 

Authors and Contributors

Research conducted by:

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gilan Youssef Altonbary

Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Egypt.

PhD, The Ohio State University, USA

About Knowture

Knowture is a postgraduate digital learning platform by Mansoura University, Egypt, offering specialized research publications, academic resources, and advanced online training courses in medical sciences, public health, biotechnology, and environmental research.

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