Digital Technology: Improvements in Implant Dentistry

implant information needs to be transferred in a highly accurate manner to achieve precision in the final prosthesis. Digital impressions offer a sound way to transfer implant data to the laboratory. Intraoral scanners have been found to provide a high level of precision in the transfer of precise oral data. In addition, intraoral scanners offer the following benefits:

• Patients do not experience the gagging and bad taste often associated with conventional impression methods.
• Accuracy is one of the key areas to ensure implant survival and provide optimal esthetic outcomes. Digital methods (Fig. 1, see above) streamline the process, reducing the opportunity for error by reducing steps and the possibility of the instability of dental materials found in traditional impression methods.
• Impression material and trays are eliminated, reducing overhead.
• Digital impressions are a faster way to impress, thereby saving valuable chair time.
• Elimination of having to ship impressions to the lab shaves days off the turnaround time,
• Remakes are reduced since the data can be reviewed while the patient is still in the chair. The data can be shared with the lab and discussed in real-time. Problems are found before fabrication, saving time and money.