Implant Scanning Workflows for Fabricating Implant-Supported Prostheses Recorded by Using Intraoral Scanners With or Without Photogrammetry Technologies

Abstract

Objectives

To classify complete-arch implant scanning workflows for registering implant position, tooth position, soft tissue information, and maxillomandibular relationship recorded by using intraoral scanners (IOSs) with or without photogrammetry (PG) technologies.

Overview

Implant scanning workflow has been defined as the procedures required to acquire the digital information needed to design an implant-supported prosthesis, including implant and tooth position, soft tissue information, and maxillomandibular relationship scans. As a part of the implant scanning workflow, different implant scanning techniques have been described for recording the 3-dimensional position of the implants being scanned by using IOSs. Alternatively, PG systems can also be used to record implant positions. However, dental literature lacks a classification of implant scanning workflows.

Conclusions

There are six main implant scanning workflows based on the reference landmarks used: worflows guided by existing teeth, fiducial markers, fixation references, implant scan bodies, auxiliary devices, and interim restorations.

Clinical Significance

Understanding different implant scanning workflows allows dental professionals to efficiently capture all the digital data information needed to design and fabricate implant-supported prostheses by using an intraoral scanner with or without a photogrammetry system.