Abstract :
Intraoral scanning for fully edentulous patients is a debated topic due to potential inaccuracies and difficulties in imaging soft tissues. Despite the introduction of various techniques for capturing impressions of edentulous jaws, their accuracy and reproducibility are still under scrutiny. The main limitations in this field include the inability to create digital functional impressions and a relatively low level of accuracy. This study aims to assess the accuracy of a digital impression technique by comparing it to a conventional one, with the goal of determining its potential as an alternative approach for comprehensive removable prosthetic treatment. The study uses 10 maxillary and 10 mandibular edentulous arches and obtains conventional impressions using polyether impression material. These impressions are scanned to create reference models. The study also obtains test models by directly scanning each specimen using three different techniques: without additives, with resin material landmarks, and with pressure-indicating paste. The study compares the test models to the reference models using 3D comparison software and calculates the root mean square deviation for the entire surface and specific regions of interest. The study finds that there are no significant differences in accuracy among the three techniques, but the maxilla has lower deviation than the mandible. The study also finds that the denture-supporting areas have lower deviation than the moving areas, especially the peripheral borders area. The study concludes that intraoral scanning has comparable accuracy to conventional impression methods, but it is not sufficient to replace conventional methods for the fabrication of removable complete dentures.