Evaluation of the trueness of intraoral scanning for partial edentulous patients with maxillary defect

Abstract

Abstract Objectives. The trueness of intraoral scanning (IOS) for partial edentulous patients with maxillary defect has not been investigated sufficiently. This study aimed to evaluate trueness of digital dental impressions obtained by IOS for partial edentulous patients with maxillary defect by quantitatively comparing liner distance and best-fit algorithm measurement with model scanning. Materials and Methods. Three ceramic blocks were pasted on healthy palate mucosa using medical tissue glue in 10 subjects. Digital dental impressions were scanned by IOS and imported into the software. Plaster dental impressions obtained by silicone rubber were also taken and scanned. Linear distance and best-fit algorithm measurement were performed using model scanning as the reference. To examine linear distance, Paired t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were applied. The best-fit algorithm measurement of dentition was evaluated with Kolmogorov–Smirnoff test. The level of significance was set to α = .05. Results. Paired t-test showed no difference between IOS and model scanning for liner distance in group A and C, while for group B, significant differences were observed (P < 0.05). Results of ANOVA indicated differences among groups (P < 0.05). For best-fit algorithm measurement, Kolmogorov–Smirnoff test showed no significant difference between IOS and model scanning (P = 0.18). Conclusion. IOS demonstrated satisfactory results in trueness of digital dental impressions for partial edentulous patients with maxillary defect, while functional impressions were needed in defect or flap areas to better meet clinical requirements. Clinical Relevance. The feasibility of digital dental impressions for partially edentulous patients with maxillary defect using IOS was illustrated in this study, which provided references for clinical treatment.