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What is intraoral photogrammetry? Intraoral photogrammetry, abbreviated as IPG, is an advanced technology that combines the high precision of photogrammetry with the convenience of intraoral scanning. By using specific high-precision coded scanbodies inside the oral cavity, it captures images from multiple angles and calculates the precise 3D coordinates of implants using reference points from these images, thereby achieving accurate measurements.
Traditional intraoral scanning employs continuous image capture and stitching algorithms, but this method is prone to errors. Especially in complex All-on-X restorations, errors can accumulate and amplify, which is precisely when IPG shines. IPG redefines the accuracy and efficiency of edentulous implant procedures.
This article will talk about the challenges faced in full-arch implant procedures and how IPG can improve them. Continue reading to learn more!
Challenges of Full-arch Dental Implants
Full-arch dental implants, involving the coordination of multiple implants, still face numerous challenges in clinical practice, whether using intraoral scanning, extraoral photogrammetry, or conventional impressions.
1. Passive Fit Among Multiple Implants
Passive fit refers to the natural and precise adaptation of dental bridges or dentures to the implants during installation, without generating unnecessary pressure or stress.
Full-arch implant restorations typically require the placement of 4-8 implants, such as the All-on-4/6 restoration. The greater the distance between the implants, the larger the span of the entire bridge. Even minor errors in any step of the process (e.g., scanning, design, printing, or milling) can be magnified during the final installation of the bridges or dentures, preventing them from fitting naturally onto the implants.
If the fit is not precise, forcing the restorations into place by “bending” or “tightening” will create stress between the bridges and the implants. Over time, this can lead to:
- · Screw loosening or dentures fracture.
- · Bone resorption around the implants or even implant failure.
2. Hassles in Switching EPG Systems
Extraoral photogrammetry (EPG) uses a handheld device placed outside the patient’s mouth to capture images of multiple markers from different angles, achieving micron-level precision in recording implant positions.
In addition to the extraoral device, EPG systems also require an intraoral scanner to obtain oral soft tissue data, as its lighting conditions are not stable enough for intraoral use. This leads to the hassle of dentists switching between two devices, as well as the added complexity of separately processing data for implants and surrounding soft tissues.
Moreover, the extraoral nature of EPG systems demands a stable platform, and the limited number of manufacturers results in high purchase costs. These limitations make widespread adoption difficult.
3. Limitations of Conventional Impressions
Conventional impressions use materials such as alginate or polyvinyl siloxane to physically record the shape of patients’ implants and surrounding soft tissues. But in All-on-X full-arch restorations, this method may cause:
- · Cumbersome process: Requires multiple impression-taking and casting steps, which are time-consuming.
- · High technical demands: Factors like material shrinkage and deformation during removal can affect the final accuracy of implant placement.
- · Patient discomfort: Impression materials may trigger gag reflexes, especially for sensitive patients or children.
To address the challenges of achieving passive fit for multiple implants, the inconvenience of switching devices in EPG systems, and the operational, time, and technical limitations of traditional impressions, IPG devices represent a breakthrough advancement. They allow dentists to capture both implant positions and surrounding tissue data in a single scan.
Advantages of Intraoral Photogrammetry (IPG) in Full-Arch Implants
In full-arch implants restorations, intraoral photogrammetry facilitates:
1. Accurate Implant Positioning
In full-arch implant procedures, precision is critical. For example, in All-on-X restorations, some implants (particularly in the posterior region) need to be placed at an inclined angle to avoid risk zones while utilizing more bone volume for enhanced stability. This places high demands on impression accuracy.
IPG integrates advanced image processing algorithms and real-time dynamic tracking technology, using coded scanbodies as precision control points. These coded scanbodies can be recognized by the IPG dental scanners, enabling calculation of the implant’s 3D coordinates with micron-level accuracy.
It offers a solid foundation for the accurate design and passive fit of subsequent full-arch implants.
2. Seamless Scanning Workflow
Traditional full-arch implant procedures involve multiple steps, including repeated impressions, scanning, design, and delivery. EPG systems also require two-step data acquisition using different devices.
However, an intraoral photogrammetry dental scanner integrates implant positioning and soft tissue scanning into a single intraoral scanning workflow. It allows dentists to obtain the implant position and the surrounding soft tissue data through a single scan, unlike EPG, which uses two devices to capture images separately and requires merging and processing data. The collected data will be directly used for the design and fabrication of the implant. Once completed, implants can be installed. Only three steps are needed for the whole process.
This fully digital workflow—from planning to restoration—reduces clinical operation time and improves efficiency.
3. Soft Tissue Matching
Full-arch implant restorations involve complex soft tissue structures that require accurate representation in digital models. In environments rich with blood and saliva, common intraoral scanners struggle to capture the subtle details of these soft tissues, leading to inaccuracies in the intaglio surface design of the final prosthesis.
The IPG scanner effectively addresses this issue by utilizing cap scanbodies and coded scanbodies. The cap scanbody serves as an intermediary, enabling the precise positioning of coded scanbodies within the surrounding soft tissues, thus allowing for seamless integration. The coded scanbodies, functioning as reference points during scanning, help the device accurately capture the soft tissue surface.
These features ensure that the immediate loading denture fits the abutments, enhancing restoration stability.
4. Patient Comfort
Intraoral photogrammetry’s simpler procedure and non-contact data acquisition method avoid the irritation to the gingiva and potential gag reflex caused by traditional impression materials. Moreover, the intraoral photogrammetry scanner has a short scanning time, typically requiring only a few minutes to complete data collection. This non-invasive, rapid scanning approach not only enhances patient comfort but also reduces their anxiety, improving the overall clinical experience.
Get IPG Scanners for Enhanced Clinical Efficiency
If you’re looking for advanced restorations to enhance full-arch implants for your clinic, then the IPG intraoral scanner from SHINING 3D DENTAL is undoubtedly the ideal choice, available in two models: Aoralscan Elite and Aoralscan Elite Wireless. Combining intraoral scanning (IOS) and intraoral photogrammetry (IPG) functions, they provide dentists with unprecedented convenience and efficiency.
They feature:
- · Scanning accuracy up to 5μm, ensuring passive fit in full-arch dental implants.
- · Cap Scanbody for easy alignment in immediate-loading cases.
- · Larger IPG tips to capture every detail of edentulous patients’ oral geometry.
- · Compact and lightweight design for effortless operation. Aoralscan Elite weighs just 124g, while the wireless version is only 194g, with Wi-Fi 6 ensuring stable and powerful connectivity.
Final Words
With the 2-in-1 function, high-precision implant positioning, streamlined workflow, exceptional soft tissue matching performance, and improved patient comfort, intraoral photogrammetry dentistry has established a new standard for 3D data acquisition in full-arch implant procedures.
As digital dentistry rapidly advances, SHINING 3D DENTAL’s IPG intraoral scanner serves as a crucial asset for dental clinics, delivering higher-quality and efficient solutions for both dentists and patients. Contact us now for more details!