Intraoral Photogrammetry and Facial Scanning for Full-Arch Implant Rehabilitation

Abstract

Full-arch implant rehabilitation is widely considered to be one of the most technically demanding procedures in dentistry. Accurately capturing the spatial relationships of multiple implants has for decades posed a serious challenge to clinicians, with traditional intraoral scanning subject to limitations that can result in alignment errors. Among the disadvantages of traditional intraoral scanning is its reliance on continuous image acquisition, which can introduce distortions when scanning across the large areas that are involved in full-arch cases. The recent introduction of intraoral photogrammetry has proved to be a paradigm shift in providing a more accurate and efficient workflow for full-arch rehabilitation than has been possible with traditional scanning. Rather than relying on sequential image stitching, photogrammetry captures the exact 3D spatial relationships between the implants in a single step, eliminating the potential for cumulative errors and offering a digital representation that is thus more precise and reliable. This article describes a digital workflow utilizing intraoral photogrammetry for full-arch implant rehabilitation, demonstrating how its features simplify the transition from surgery to fabrication of the prosthesis and ensure that implant and abutment positions remain consistent throughout the workflow. A case report is discussed that illustrates how this digital approach using stackable surgical guides and intraoral photogrammetry with advanced coded scan bodies was used in a patient with dental anxiety who required full-arch implant rehabilitation, providing him with final restorations that were functional and esthetically pleasing while reducing chair time and the need for modifications, and thus ensuring a satisfying patient experience.