An open-source multifunctional registration device for implant-supported complete dentures

Use of a dual-purpose implant scan body to obtain both digital and analog records for complete arch fixed implant restorations

A technique is described for capturing relative dental implant positions for an implant-supported fixed prosthesis in a completely edentulous arch with a novel implant indexing apparatus that also functions as a scannable verification device. A series of intraoral scans are made to record the contours and occlusal records of the existing prosthetics and soft tissue. The individual scans are aligned by using a dental software program to design either an interim or definitive prosthesis. The technique reduces the time needed to gather the records dental laboratory technicians require to fabricate a complete arch implant-supported prosthesis.

Techniques to improve the accuracy of complete-arch implant intraoral digital scans: A systematic review

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The best method of optimizing the accuracy of complete-arch intraoral digital scans is still unclear. For instance, the location of the scan bodies can be significantly distorted with respect to their actual positions, which would lead to a nonpassive fit of the definitive prosthesis.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze available techniques for improving the accuracy of digital scans in implant-supported complete-arch fixed prostheses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three databases (Medline, Embase, and Google Scholar) were searched, and the results obtained were supplemented by a hand search. Specific descriptors identified techniques whose objective were to increase the accuracy of digital scans in implant-supported complete-arch fixed prostheses. Titles and abstracts were screened by 2 independent reviewers, and unclear results were discussed with a third independent reviewer. A qualitative analysis based on procedural parameters was used. The interexaminer agreements of both were assessed by the Cohen kappa statistic, and the Risk of Bias Tool was used to assess the risk of bias across the studies.

RESULTS

A total of 17 techniques matching the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Higher accuracy but also differences regarding the need for supplementary devices, number of intraoral scans, and time consumption of clinical and software program steps were observed compared with the conventional digital scanning protocol. The use of a splinting device was common to most of the studies. The outcome variables for the evaluation of the effectiveness of these protocols were heterogeneous.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of additional techniques during intraoral scanning can improve accuracy in implant-supported complete-arch fixed prostheses. However, higher complexity for those procedures should be expected.

Protocol for the clinical assessment of passive fit for multiple implant-supported prostheses: A dental technique

With monolithic materials and the new technologies for framework production, assessment of passive fit before fabrication of the definitive prosthesis or its framework is essential to avoid prosthesis remakes. This article describes an updated clinical protocol to assess passive fit during the prosthesis fabrication process through the systematic use of tactile feel while tightening the retaining screws, the visual or radiographic evaluation when performing the 1-screw or Sheffield fit test, and the torque/time graph obtained during the placement of the implant- or abutment-retaining screws with a torque-controlled surgical motor.