An in vivo Study on the Accuracy of Digital Implant Impressions

Enhanced scan; original scan; precision; polyetheretherketone; narrow diameter; regular diameter

Ramzi O. Althubaitiy*
BDS, MS, MClinDent, MPros RCSEd,
FICOI, F(Pros) RCSEd, MICOI
*Department of Prosthetic Dental
Sciences, College of Dentistry, Prince
Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, AlKharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
Correspondence:
r.althubaitiy@psau.edu.sa

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2026) 34 (2), 48–52

An in vivo Study on the
Accuracy of Digital Implant
Impressions
-----------------------------------------------------------------------ABSTRACT
Background: Digital dental implant impressions are advancing implant
dentistry, but in vivo evidence remains scarce. This in vivo study evaluated the
precision of digital implant impressions using narrow- (ND) and regulardiameter (RD) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implant scan bodies (ISBs),
comparing original intraoral scans with enhanced datasets. Methods: A
maxillary partially edentulous patient received two ND and two RD bone-level
implants. After healing, manufacturer-specific PEEK ISBs were connected, and
five full-arch digital impressions were captured using an intraoral scanner
(IOS). Each original scan was duplicated and enhanced by replacing the
scanned ISB meshes with library files. Forty three-dimensional (3D)
comparisons were performed using metrology software, and root mean square
(RMS) values quantified precision. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics and the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test (α = 0.05). Results:
Enhanced scans demonstrated higher precision than original scans (mean RMS:
ND 29.87 µm; RD 28.96 µm vs. ND 85.93 µm; RD 127.22 µm; p < .05). ISB
diameter showed no significant effect (p > .05). Conclusion: Original scans
exhibited lower precision, but they were adequate for library files alignment
and generation of enhanced scans that were approximately 65–77% more
precise. Enhanced scans provide clinically acceptable digital implant
impression accuracy.

--------------------------------------INTRODUCTION
Digital workflows have revolutionized clinical dentistry over the past two
decades, offering greater efficiency, improved patient comfort, and enhanced
communication between clinicians, dental technicians, and patients. Within
restorative and implant dentistry, the integration of intraoral scanning,
computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
technologies has significantly streamlined diagnostic, planning, and fabrication
processes.1 Among these, digital impressions, captured directly with intraoral
scanner (IOS), eliminate the need for conventional impression materials,
reducing potential errors from material deformation, disinfection, and gypsum
cast pouring.2, 3
In implant dentistry, digital impressions are obtained through intraoral scanning
of specific components known as implant scan bodies (ISBs). These devices,
temporarily connected to the implant or abutment, serve as reference
geometries that allow the implant’s three-dimensional position and orientation
to be transferred to a virtual model. The accuracy of the digital implant
impression, and thus the fit of the final prosthesis, relies heavily on the
precision of ISB scanning and subsequent matching to their CAD library files.4
A substantial body of in vitro research has evaluated the accuracy of digital
implant impressions under controlled laboratory conditions. Many studies have
examined variables such as ISB geometry, material, implant angulation, and
scanner technology.5-7 For instance, one study reported that varying ISB
material and diameter significantly affected precision.8 Similarly, another
studies demonstrated that scan body design impacts the transfer accuracy of
implant position.9, 10 These laboratory-based findings provide valuable insight
but may not fully reflect the challenges of the intraoral environment.
Received: 11.12.2025
Revised:12.01.2026
Accepted: 24.01.2026

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