Factors that influence the accuracy of intraoral scanning of total edentulous arches rehabilitated with multiple implants: A systematic review.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

The direct digitalization of completely edentulous arches rehabilitated with multiple implants still represents a limitation regarding obtaining accurate images for prosthetic purposes.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this systematic review was to present the factors that may influence the accuracy of intraoral scanning of completely edentulous arches.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This review was carried out according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria and registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42020171021). Three examiners performed an electronic search in the Medline/PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for articles published up to January 2021.

RESULTS

The electronic search resulted in 11 498 studies. After removing duplicates, 11 347 studies remained. Twelve studies were selected (10 in vitro and 2 in vivo) according to the eligibility criteria. Several factors were found to influence the performance of intraoral scanners (Carestream Dental and TRIOS, 3Shape presented the best results), the intraoral scanning technique (Promoting physical paths that join the digitization bodies can increase the accuracy of transferring the position of the implants), environmental conditions (temperature: 20 °C to 21 °C, air pressure: 750 to 760 ±5 mmHg, air humidity: 45%, angle and distance between the implants: up to 15 degrees and 16 to 22 mm, and the material of the scan body: PEEK more accurate).

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of the intraoral scanning of completely edentulous arches is affected by factors such as the type of intraoral scanner, scanning technique, environmental conditions, angle and distance between implants, and material of the scan bodies.