The effect of scanned area on the accuracy and time of anterior single implant scans: An in vitro study

Objectives: To investigate the effect of scanned area on the accuracy and scan time of intraoral scans of an anterior implant. Materials and methods: Three operators experienced in intraoral scanning (at least 2-year experience) performed partial and complete-arch scans (n = 10) of a dentate resin model with an implant at left central incisor site by using an intraoral scanner (Trios3; 3Shape, Copenhagen, Denmark). Each partial- or complete-arch scan was superimposed to a reference scan from a laboratory scanner (Ceramill Map 600; Amann Girrbach AG). Mean distance (selected 7 points) and angular (mesiodistal and buccolingual) scanbody deviations in test scans (trueness) and their variance (precision) were calculated. Linear-regressions (trueness), two-sided F-tests with a Bonferroni correction (precision), and multiple linear regressions (scan time), with the operator as a covariate were applied (alpha =.05). Results: Interactions were found between the scanned area and the operator for their effect on trueness of all points and angles, except for point 6 at implant-abutment connection in mesiodistal plane (p <.05). No significant difference was found between the precision of partial and complete-arch scans for all operators (p >.05). Partial-arch scan times were significantly shorter, overall, and for each operator (p <.001). No significant effect of scan time was found on the trueness of partial- and complete-arch scans (p >.05). Conclusions: Partial and complete-arch scans of anterior single implants with an intraoral scanner resulted in similar accuracies, and were not influenced by the operator or the scan time. Scan times of partial-arch scans were significantly shorter. Clinical significance: Partial-arch scans can be used for the fabrication of monolithic anterior single implant crowns because the scans can be completed in shorter times without compromising the accuracy.