Precision of stereophotogrammetry in complete arch implant recordings: A clinical study

Abstract

Statement of problem. Stereophotogrammetry has been proposed as an alternative to intraoral scanners for recording the location of multiple dental implants. Most studies evaluating its accuracy have been in vitro, and clinical studies are lacking. Purpose. The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the precision of a stereophotogrammetry system for complete arch prostheses supported by 6 implants. Material and methods. A total of 10 participants with a completely edentulous maxilla with 6 multiunit implant abutments were recruited. For each participant, 5 recordings were made using a stereophotogrammetry device (PIC system; PIC dental). From the resulting standard tessellation language (STL) files, linear and angular Euclidean distances were recorded. A statistical analysis of the measurements obtained was used to determine their repeatability and to identify maximum discrepancy values. A comparative analysis of the standard deviation values was performed with the Kruskal-Wallis and Sidak statistical tests. (α=.05). Results. For linear distances, the mean ±standard deviation precision was 14.71 ±12.2 μm, with a maximum discrepancy of 61 μm. For the angular measurements, the mean ±standard deviation precision was 0.072 ±0.064 degrees, with a maximum discrepancy of 0.345 degrees. Statistically significant differences (P<.05) were found among the different implant spans. Conclusions. The results suggested that the stereophotogrammetry device was sufficiently precise for recording implant locations in complete arch prostheses supported by 6 implant abutments.