Intraoral scan bodies in implant dentistry: A systematic review
Available online 5 April 2018
Systematic Review
Abstract
Statement of problem
Intraoral
scan body (ISB) design is highly variable and its role in the digital
workflow and accuracy of digital impressions is not well understood.
Purpose
The
purpose of this systematic review was to determine the relevant reports
pertaining to ISBs with regard to design and accuracy and to describe
their evolution and role in the digital dentistry workflow. Special
attention was placed on their key features in relation to intraoral
scanning technology and the digitization process.
Materials and methods
A
MEDLINE/PubMed search was performed to identify relevant reports
pertaining to ISB usage in dentistry. This search included but was not
limited to scan body features and design, scan body accuracy, and scan
body techniques and the role of ISBs in computer-aided design and
computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) processes. Commercially available
scan bodies were examined, and a patient situation was shown
highlighting the use of ISBs in the digital workflow.
Results
Deficiencies
in the reports were found regarding various scan body topics, including
ISB features/design, accuracy, and the role of ISBs in CAD-CAM
processes.
Conclusions
ISBs
are complex implant-positioning-transfer devices that play an essential
role in the digital workflow and fabrication of accurately fitting
implant-supported restorations. With scanner technology rapidly evolving
and becoming more widespread, future studies are needed and should be
directed toward all parts of the digital workflow when using ISBs. By
understanding the basic components of ISBs and how they relate to
digital scanning and CAD-CAM technology, more emphasis may be placed on
their importance and usage in the digital workflow to ensure accurate
transfer of implant position to the virtual and analog definitive cast.
Efforts should be made by clinicians to identify an optimal ISB design
in relation to the specific intraoral scanning technology being used.
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