A systematic review of the accuracy and the assessment methods of implant impression techniques

Abstract

A systematic review of the accuracy and the assessment methods of implant impression techniquesKyoung Rok Kim, D.D.S.Department of Dentistrythe Graduate School, Yonsei University(Directed by Professor Sunjai Kim, D.D.S., M.S.D., PhD.)Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review was to evaluate and compare the results of implant impression studies based on the assessment methods used. The characteristics of each assessment method were also analyzed to determine the benefits and disadvantages of each assessment.Sources and study selection: An electronic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE database was performed in February 2013 using specific search terms and predetermined criteria to identify and assess laboratory studies of the accuracy of implant impression techniques. A final list of articles deemed to be of interest was comprehensively reviewed to ensure that these were suitable for the purpose of this review. The results of the current review were also compared with results from a previous review.Conclusions: Most studies measured the extent of linear distortion between specific reference points to assess the accuracy of implant impression techniques. The effects of splinting and of different splinting materials on impression accuracy were the most common factors used for comparison. Recently published studies preferred direct to indirect impression and splint to non-splint techniques. The number of studies performed using internal connection implants is increasing.