The digital impression with intraoral scanning is today indicated for single crowns, short bridges, orthodontic aligners and numerous partial implant rehabilitations, with accuracy clinically comparable to the traditional technique. The conventional impression remains preferable for complete arches on implants and in specific clinical cases evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Who is the fingerprint useful for?
Intraoral scanning is particularly suitable for patients facing single crowns, short extension bridges, partial aesthetic restorations, orthodontic aligners and many partial implant rehabilitations. The prosthodontic literature confirms that, for these scenarios, the three-dimensional accuracy is clinically acceptable and comparable to that of the traditional technique. In Studio Buniato, in Corso Francia 30 in Turin, we use the 3Shape TRIOS 6 intraoral scanner with integrated FaceScan and Planmeca CBCT to build a coherent digital flow from diagnosis to prosthesis. A 2021 systematic review of 437 patients, spread across 9 RCTs and 8 prospective studies, documented reduction in chair time and improvement in patient-reported comfort parameters, regardless of the size of the scanned area and the type of restoration planned. For those who experience complex prosthetic or implant paths, the scan allows you to show the state of the arches in real time and plan each step with greater transparency.
When the traditional impression remains a valid choice
A review published in the Journal of Prosthodontics highlighted that, in the full-arch impression, the conventional technique showed better accuracy than the intraoral scan, which is more vulnerable to deviations when the area to be detected is very large. The 2020 meta-analysis dedicated to implant impressions confirms comparable three-dimensional accuracy for partially edentulous patients, but underlines that for completely edentulous arches the clinical evidence is still limited and further studies are needed. In our clinical practice we indicate the traditional technique when the extent of rehabilitation, the presence of mobile soft tissues or specific anatomical conditions make the polymer relief more predictable. Lighting conditions, the color temperature of the operating room and the irregularity of the surfaces to be scanned can also influence the accuracy of the scanner. The choice between digital and analog is not a question of commercial fashion, but of clinical indication documented on a case-by-case basis.
As we decide in Studio Buniato in Turin
The choice of the type of impression arises from the initial diagnostic evaluation and the planned prosthetic plan. In our practice, each indication is discussed together with the patient: the clinical rationale is explained before proceeding, with a description of the technical alternatives and their respective limitations. For single restorations and fixed prostheses of limited extension, the intraoral scan represents the preferential flow, integrated with the CBCT when it is necessary to correlate bone anatomy and prosthetic design. For large implant rehabilitations we evaluate case by case, taking into account the experience gained on the procedures advanced implantology and published data on three-dimensional accuracy. The principle remains the same: choose the technique that reduces prosthetic adaptation errors and multiple adjustments, not the one that makes the study appear more technological. Transparency on the reasons for a choice is an integral part of our way of working.
What to expect during your intraoral scan
Intraoral scanning is an outpatient procedure that does not require traditional impression materials such as alginate or polyether silicone. The patient is sitting in a comfortable position; the clinician passes the scanner cannula over the dental and gingival surfaces, while the three-dimensional image is composed in real time on the monitor. The 2021 systematic review documented that scanning reduces procedure time compared to the conventional technique, for both quadrants and full arches. For many patients this means less stimulation of the gag reflex, absence of taste or sensation of pressure related to the impression tray. During the session it is possible to show the patient the anatomical detail of the arches, highlight areas of interest and explain the rationale of the envisaged prosthetic plan. The scan is then sent to the laboratory in digital format; when the case requires it, we integrate the information with the Planmeca CBCT for surgical and prosthetic planning.
How storage and baseline support retention
The scan taken today can be stored as a comparable reference in subsequent years. This allows you to monitor gingival retractions, microfractures, wear of the restorations or small anatomical variations with an objective starting point. In complex implant and prosthetic procedures, the digital archive supports maintenance checks and the possible need for partial remakes with greater information continuity compared to impressions preserved only as plaster models. Planning for an eventuality implant path benefits from the data already acquired, avoiding repeated findings when not clinically justified. Studio Buniato in Corso Francia 30, Principi d'Acaja metro stop, integrates intraoral scanning, CBCT and prosthetic flow in a single path, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 138 verified reviews. For those facing complex rehabilitations, knowing the rationale for the diagnostic steps in advance reduces uncertainty and improves the quality of the decision.
For a personalized evaluation of your case, Dr. Buniato is available for one first specialist visit with complete diagnostic analysis.
Frequently asked questions
Is the intraoral scan painful or uncomfortable?
No, the scan is a non-invasive outpatient procedure. The scanner cannula is slid over the dental and gingival surfaces without impression materials, reducing the stimulus of the gag reflex and the sensation of pressure typical of the traditional impression tray technique.
Does digital scanning completely replace the traditional impression?
No, not always. For single crowns, short bridges, aligners and many partial implant rehabilitations the accuracy is clinically comparable. For completely edentulous arches on implants, the literature indicates that the traditional technique is often preferable. The choice depends on the clinical indication of the individual case.
How long does an intraoral scanning session last?
The 2021 systematic review documented that scanning reduces procedure time compared to traditional impressions, for both quadrants and full arches. The actual duration varies based on the extension of the area to be detected and the complexity of the case, but in many clinical scenarios the reduction perceived by the patient is clear.
Is intraoral scanning suitable for planning an implant path?
Yes, for partial implantology studies document three-dimensional accuracy comparable to the conventional technique. In our practice we integrate it with the Planmeca CBCT when it is necessary to correlate bone anatomy and prosthetic design. For complete arches on implants we evaluate each case individually based on clinical data and available literature.
Sources
- Ahlholm P, Sipilä K, Vallittu P, Jakonen M, Kotiranta U. Digital Versus Conventional Impressions in Fixed Prosthodontics: A Review. J Prosthodont. 2018. DOI: 10.1111/jopr.12527. PubMed
- Siqueira R, Galli M, Chen Z, Mendonça G, Meirelles L, Wang HL. Intraoral scanning reduces procedure time and improves patient comfort in fixed prosthodontics and implant dentistry: a systematic review. Clin Oral Investig. 2021. DOI: 10.1007/s00784-021-04157-3. PubMed
- Papaspyridakos P, Vazouras K, Chen YW, Kotina E, Natto Z, Kang K. Digital vs Conventional Implant Impressions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Prosthodont. 2020. DOI: 10.1111/jopr.13211. PubMed
