Effect of Implant Angulation and Depth on the Accuracy of Casts Using the Open Tray Splinted Impression Technique

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of open tray dental implant impressions when the implants are placed with varying implant angulations and depths. Four partially edentulous models were fabricated using photopolymer resin, each having different angulation and depth of the implant analogs. A total of 40 open tray elastomeric impressions were made, which were poured in type IV die stone (n = 10). These casts were evaluated and compared for accurate reproduction of the spatial orientation of the implant analogs in the models using digitization in 3 dimensions. The results were analyzed using the independent T test. Statistically significant differences were observed when the casts were compared with their respective master models. These casts had the implant replicas placed deeper within the replicated soft tissue. Making accurate impressions in partially edentulous situations with dental implants placed with varying depth and angulation is critical and clinically demanding. There is a need for future in vivo research to identify methods and materials, exploring digital impression techniques as well, in order to make precise impressions.