Nonradiological method for 3-dimensional implant position assessment using an intraoral scan: new method for postoperative implant control.

INTRODUCTION: This study presents a method to verify the position of dental implants after insertion without the repeated x-ray exposure.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: An implant was inserted into the natural gap between the canines and premolars of 8 domestic pigs and 1 human patient. A scanbody was then connected to the implants and a digital intraoral impression of the jaw segment was acquired using a handheld scanner. In addition, the implant position was radiologically detected by cone beam computed tomography. The position of the implant based on both techniques was compared by digital matching.
RESULTS: The position of the dental implants determined by the scanner accurately represents the position in the radiograph in the pigs and also in the human patient.
CONCLUSION: Evaluating the position of implants using intraoral scans is a straightforward, accurate, and radiation-free method of 3-dimensional implant position determination.