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.