Accuracy of Different lmpression Techniques for Dental lmplants

Abstract

This in vitro study was done on acrylic master model, representing lower edentulous arch, with four implants placed, two on.each laterals and first premolars bilaterally. Four implant impression techniques were tested (used to locate the position of implants), to evaluate the accuracy of each. Each technique was repeated five times to produce five casts for each implant technique. Impression techniques tested were: 1. Impression of implant head. 2. Closed tray indirect technique. 3. Opened tray direct unsplinted technique. 4. Opened tray direct splinted technique. Each cast produced was evaluated by the traveling microscope to compare the accuracy of certain measurements, with that of the master cast. The results proved that, the most accurate techniques were the direct splinted and the impression of the implant head. The least accurate technique was the indirect technique, followed by the direct unsplinted.