Dental Science & Advanced Dentistry

Biography

Biography: Swathi Premkumar

Abstract

In modern dentistry digital Impressions (3D intraoral scanning) is the method of capturing a replica of the mouth using digital tools and advanced software. The benefits of digital imaging such as improved accuracy, interoperability, patient satisfaction, and time savings are well researched and published. However, the adoption and preference of digital impressions vary across countries and there exists differences in opinion among dental practitioners. Digital impression is proposed to be an alternative to conventional impression technique. However, the scanning quality of digital impression is strongly influenced by patient-related factors, and tooth shape and margins..Therefore, as the first step of CAD/CAM, how accurate digital impressions are compared to conventional procedures is an essential issue that needs to be considered. The objective of this study was to understand factors driving digital impression adoption among dental practitioners and develop a comparative view across geographies. Research method used is exploratory survey based information capture and analysis using the survey tool google forms. Multiple survey responses from the US, India and Middle East were used in the study and respondents were dentists and dental assistants educated and practicing in these countries. Our results show adoption of both digital and conventional impression techniques across the countries while 33% of Asian practices use only conventional techniques. Both the techniques are considered equally good in terms of impression quality while there is preference for conventional systems while performing more complex procedures. A detailed analysis on the preference criteria for each of the techniques was also performed as part of this study. A comparative analysis on the factors driving digital impression techniques was performed and cost elements seem to be a driving factor across geographies. Another important element identified in this study is the fact that digital impression techniques are rarely practised during dental education and highly recommended by dentists to add to curriculum. Another common outcome as agreed by practitioners across geographies is the improved patient satisfaction. The overall research findings show digital impression techniques have high levels of acceptance while conventional techniques are going to continue as an industry standard.