Aim: Evaluate the accuracy between the intraoral and extraoral scanning regarding the three dimensional (3D) deviation and distances between the implants, through 2 scanning methods.
Settings and design: An in vitro study.
Materials and methods: An edentulous mandibular model was used to install four implants and abutments, recommending 6 distances between the implants. Scans were performed using an intraoral (SI) and extraoral (SE) scanner for each studied group: Scanning with the scan bodies (SB) and device (SD) (n = 10). The files were imported into a surface evaluation program to assess 3D deviations and measure distances between implants.
Statistical analysis: Precision was assessed as the difference between files (Kruskal-Wallis test), while trueness was assessed from the difference between scans, applying the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney test.
Results: As for the 3D deviations, SI showed accuracy, for the faces and positions of the implants in relation to the SE, in both scanning methods (P < 0.05). Regarding the capture of distances between implants, the SD scan obtained better trueness than the SB group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: We concluded that the type and scanning methods used did not influence the 3D deviations, while for distances, scanning with the device had better trueness.
Keywords: Dental implant; dimensional measurement accuracy; edentulous; protheses supported-implant; three-dimensional.