The Influence of Digital Fabrication Options on the Accuracy of Dental Implant-Based Single Units and Complete-Arch Frameworks

Purpose: To compare the accuracy and reproducibility of digital versus conventional dental impressions and fabrication techniques for single units and full-arch implant frameworks. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 samples, divided into four groups, were created using conventional and digital implant impression/fabrication techniques: group 1 (conventional single implant), group 2 (digital single implant), group 3 (conventional complete arch), and group 4 (digital complete arch). All impressions were made at the abutment level. Marginal fit measurements were made using an optical microscope at two points (buccal and lingual) for each sample. Statistical analysis was performed using F and t tests (α = .05). Results: For single implants, the conventional impression/fabrication pathway resulted in a mean marginal discrepancy of 24.1 µm compared to 61.43 µm for the digital impression/fabrication pathway. For full-arch frameworks, the conventional impression/fabrication pathway resulted in a mean marginal discrepancy of 135.1 µm compared to 63.14 µm for the digital technique. Conclusion: The conventional pathway resulted in a smaller marginal discrepancy for single-implant frameworks. In contrast, the digital pathway resulted in a smaller marginal discrepancy for full-arch implant frameworks. Keywords: CAD/CAM, digital impression, framework, implant, iTero, marginal accuracy