The effect of scanned area on the accuracy and time of anterior single implant scans: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of scanned area on the accuracy and scan time of intraoral scans of an anterior implant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three operators experienced in intraoral scanning (at least 2-year experience) performed partial and complete-arch scans (n = 10) of a dentate resin model with an implant at left central incisor site by using an intraoral scanner (Trios3; 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). Each partial- or complete-arch scan was superimposed to a reference scan from a laboratory scanner (Ceramill Map 600; Amann Girrbach AG). Mean distance (selected 7 points) and angular (mesiodistal and buccolingual) scanbody deviations in test scans (trueness) and their variance (precision) were calculated. Linear-regressions (trueness), two-sided F-tests with a Bonferroni correction (precision), and multiple linear regressions (scan time), with the operator as a covariate were applied (alpha = .05).

RESULTS

Interactions were found between the scanned area and the operator for their effect on trueness of all points and angles, except for point 6 at implant-abutment connection in mesiodistal plane (p < .05). No significant difference was found between the precision of partial and complete-arch scans for all operators (p > .05). Partial-arch scan times were significantly shorter, overall, and for each operator (p < .001). No significant effect of scan time was found on the trueness of partial- and complete-arch scans (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Partial and complete-arch scans of anterior single implants with an intraoral scanner resulted in similar accuracies, and were not influenced by the operator or the scan time. Scan times of partial-arch scans were significantly shorter.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Partial-arch scans can be used for the fabrication of monolithic anterior single implant crowns because the scans can be completed in shorter times without compromising the accuracy.