Effect of artificial landmarks of the prefabricated auxiliary devices located at different arch positions on the accuracy of complete-arch edentulous digital implant scanning: An in-vitro study

Objectives: To examine the effect of artificial landmarks of prefabricated auxiliary devices (PAD) located at different arch positions on the accuracy of complete-arch edentulous digital implant scanning.

Methods: A reference model containing four analogs and PAD were fabricated by a 3D printer (AccuFab-C1s, 3DShining). 10 digital scans were performed using an intraoral scanner (Aoralscan 3, 3DShining), sv 1.0.0.3115, with artificial landmarks located at different arch positions: group I, without any artificial landmarks; group II, with artificial landmarks at the anterior region; group III, with artificial landmarks at the posterior region. group IV: with artificial landmarks at both anterior and posterior regions. For group V: Conventional open-tray splinted impressions. The reference file and conventional stone casts were digitalized by using a dental laboratory scanner. The related files were imported into inspection software for trueness and precision assessment. Statistical analysis was performed with One-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. The level of significance was set at α=0.05.

Results: For the global accuracy assessment, significantly higher global trueness was seen in group II (p < 0.01), III (p < 0.001), IV (p < 0.001) and V (p < 0.001) than group I. Significantly higher global precision was seen in group III (p < 0.001), IV (p < 0.001) and V (p < 0.001) than group I. For the local accuracy assessment, the PAD primarily improved accuracy on the linear deviations.

Conclusions: Artificial landmarks of PAD at different arch positions significantly influenced the scanning accuracy. Applying the PAD in group IV could achieve comparable outcomes to conventional open-tray splinted impressions. Artificial landmarks on the posterior region may be more pivotal than those on the anterior region.

Clinical significance: Group IV could achieve comparable accuracy to conventional open-tray splinted impressions.