To Compare the Dimensional Accuracy of Casts Obtained from Different Impression Techniques in Implant Prosthodontics: An In-Vitro Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Obtaining an appropriate impression of the implant position and surrounding soft and hard tissues is paramount to fabricating an esthetically and biologically functional definitive restoration. Materials and Methods An edentulous maxillary acrylic master model was chosen. Four dummy implants were drilled into this model from the first premolar to first premolar region at equal distance using a dental surveyor to ensure parallel placement of the implants. Ten samples, each made for open tray (Group A), closed tray direct (Group B), and closed tray indirect (Group C) techniques using polyvinylsiloxane, were poured in type IV dental stone and 30 samples were hence obtained. The linear distance between the four implants were measured using the profile projector for each of the cast. The data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test. Observation and Results Inter-implant and inter-abutment linear distances were measured (in mm) for the master model and the samples for 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 1 to 3, 2 to 4, and 1 to 4, and the maximum deviation was found in Group B. Conclusion The dimensional accuracy of casts obtained from closed tray indirect impression technique was the highest with linear distance values closest to the implant master model followed by open tray, and the least accuracy was found for closed tray direct impression technique.