Purpose: Is to investigate how integrating intraoral scanners in routine oral diagnosis affects patient-clinician communication, patient perceptions and preferences, offering valuable insights into the patient experience and utility of intraoral scanners in clinical practice.
Materials and Methods: A restorative dentistry specialist conducted intraoral examination on 300 patients, initially using conventional techniques and X-rays, followed by a 3D scanner (ITero®element, Align Technologies, San Jose, California, USA). The patient's existing oral issues and treatment plan were initially expressed verbally, and then repeated using a 3D scan. Subsequently, the patients were requested to respond to an 11-question survey, aimed at assessing both modes of examination and communication. Statistical analysis using SPSS v.22 software included employing the Wilcoxon test to compare the patients’ experiences on the same topic before and after the examination with the intraoral scanners, considering significance at p<0.05.
Results: Majority (38%) of participants aged 25-35. Gender split was 52% female, 48% male. Patients statistically found it more comprehensible to visualize existing oral issues through 3D scans than through verbal explanation (p=0.000). Also, patients understood oral hygiene recommendations better when explained via 3D scanning by dentists (p=,000). The vast majority of the participants (94%) indicated that being examined with an intraoral scanner motivated them for treatment, while 6% remained undecided. A hundred percent of the participants stated that 3D scanners should be included in the routine oral examination.
Conclusion: Intraoral 3D scans enhance patient understanding and communication during oral examination and participants show high preference. However, more research needed to replace conventional diagnostic methods.
Keywords: 3D imaging, digital imaging, intraoral scanners, oral diagnosis, oral examination
