J Korean Acad Prosthodont.  2021 Jan;59(1):79-87. 10.4047/jkap.2021.59.1.79.

Restoration of implant-supported fixed dental prosthesis using the automatic abutment superimposition function of the intraoral scanner in partially edentulous patients

• Park KW
• Park JM
• Lee KW

• KMID: 2511652
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4047/jkap.2021.59.1.79

Abstract

The digital workflow of optical impressions by the intraoral scanner and CADCAM manufacture of dental prostheses is actively developing. The complex process of traditional impression taking, definite cast fabrication, wax pattern making, and casting has been shortened, and the number of patient’s visits can also be reduced. Advances in intraoral scanner technology have increased the precision and accuracy of optical impression, and its indication is progressively widened toward the long span fixed dental prosthesis. This case report describes the long span implant case, and the operator fully utilized digital workflow such as computer-guided implant surgical template and CAD-CAM produced restoration after the digital impression. The provisional restoration and customized abutments were prepared with the optical impression taken on the same day of implant surgery. Moreover, the final prosthesis was fabricated with the digital scan while utilizing the same customized abutment from the provisional restoration. During the data acquisition step, stl data of customized abutments, previously scanned at the time of provisional restoration delivery, were imported and automatically aligned with digital impression data using an ‘A.I. abutment matching algorithm’ the intraoral scanner software. By using this algorithm, it was possible to obtain the subgingival margin without the gingival retraction or abutment removal. Using the digital intraoral scanner’s advanced functions, the operator could shorten the total treatment time. So that both the patient and the clinician could experience convenient and effective treatment, and it was possible to manufacture a prosthesis with predictability.

Keyword

Automatic abutment matching; Computer-aided design-computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM); Customized abutment; Intraoral scanner