Nonradiological method for 3-dimensional implant position assessment using an intraoral scan: new method for postoperative implant control.

Abstract

This study presents a method to verify the position of dental implants after insertion without the repeated x-ray exposure. An implant was inserted into the natural gap between the canines and premolars of 8 domestic pigs and 1 human patient. A scanbody was then connected to the implants and a digital intraoral impression of the jaw segment was acquired using a handheld scanner. In addition, the implant position was radiologically detected by cone beam computed tomography. The position of the implant based on both techniques was compared by digital matching. The position of the dental implants determined by the scanner accurately represents the position in the radiograph in the pigs and also in the human patient. Evaluating the position of implants using intraoral scans is a straightforward, accurate, and radiation-free method of 3-dimensional implant position determination.