Full-arch implant-supported rehabilitation using reverse scan technique: A case report

The reverse scan technique offers several advantages, such as improvements of accuracy and visibility of critical anatomical structures, minimizing chair time, and providing better patient comfort. This was a case report successfully employing the reverse scan technique. A 72-year-old male patient desired to restore his teeth in both jaws, as he experienced difficulty eating and had never worn dentures. Clinical examination revealed the presence of several remaining teeth with poor prognosis due to significant bone loss and mobility. The treatment plan involved extracting these teeth, placing four implants in both the maxilla and mandible, and fitting an interim immediate-loading prosthesis. Impressions were taken during the first appointment, and clear acrylic dentures, simulating the future prostheses, were fabricated. During surgery, full-thickness flaps were raised, and the remaining teeth were extracted. Implants and multi-unit abutments were placed, followed by impressions and the recording of the inter-jaw relationship using index dentures. After six months of osseointegration, the reverse scan technique was employed, involving the use of light silicone, reverse scan bodies, and extra-oral scanning to capture implant positions, soft tissue profiles, and prosthesis shapes. A resin jig was created to ensure a passive fit, and titanium frames were machined for the final prostheses-monolithic zirconia for the maxilla and zirconia crowns with composite gingiva for the mandible. These were delivered after confirming the fit, aesthetics, and occlusion. The technique enhanced patient comfort, minimized chair time, and ensured the quality of the prosthetic outcome.