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demonstrated that digital impressions can Materials and Environmental Impact Conclusion
achieve exceptional levels of detail, which Digital impressions reduce the need for dis- In conclusion, digital impressions of-
is critical for creating precise dental resto- posable impression materials, which can fer numerous advantages over traditional
rations. However, the accuracy of digital have a positive environmental impact. Once methods, including enhanced accuracy, im-
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impressions may vary depending on the set, traditional impression materials become proved patient experience, and greater ef-
length of the scanned area and the particular waste, contributing to a dental practice’s ficiency. While initial costs and a learning
technology used. It is crucial to recognize environmental footprint. 12,13 By minimizing curve are associated with their adoption, the
that while digital systems can reduce human the use of these materials, dental practices long-term benefits and environmental im-
error associated with manual impression can lower their environmental impact and pact favor using digital impression technol-
techniques, they also depend heavily on op- contribute to more sustainable healthcare ogies in restorative dentistry. Dental prac-
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erator skill and equipment quality. practices. This shift towards digital process- titioners should consider integrating digital
es aligns with broader societal goals of re- impressions into their practice to stay at the
Workflow Efficiency ducing waste and promoting environmental forefront of patient care and technological
The digital workflow, which encompasses stewardship. advancements as the field evolves. Embrac-
the entire process from impression-taking ing these technologies can lead to improved
to the production of the dental appliance, Learning Curve and Training clinical outcomes, increased patient satis-
is generally considered more efficient than Transitioning to digital impression technol- faction, and a more sustainable approach
traditional methods. Digital impressions can ogy requires a learning curve and training to dental care. Regular updates and training
be taken faster, with less preparation time, for dental professionals. Adequate training will be essential to fully realize the poten-
and the data can be instantly transferred to a ensures that practitioners can fully utilize tial of digital impression systems and ensure
dental lab or used chairside to create resto- the capabilities of digital systems and inte- their effective implementation in everyday
rations. 6-8 This real-time capability enhanc- grate them effectively into their practice. practice.
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es the overall workflow efficiency, reducing It is essential for dental teams to receive
turnaround times and allowing for quicker comprehensive training to maximize the References
patient care. Additionally, integrating digi- benefits of digital impressions and to ensure 1. Tallarico, Marco. “Computerization and Dig-
tal impressions with CAD/CAM technolo- accurate and efficient use of the technology. ital Workflow in Medicine: Focus on Digital
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2. Schmidt, A., et al. “Accuracy of Digital and
Conventional Full-Arch Impressions in Patients:
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From a patient standpoint, digital impres- Digital impressions can be used for vari- 688, doi:10.3390/jcm9030688.
sions offer a more comfortable and less ous clinical applications, including crowns, 3. Abduo, J., and J.E.A. Palamara. “Accura-
invasive experience. Unlike traditional bridges, posts, implants, and orthodontic cy of Digital Impressions versus Conventional
methods, which can trigger gag reflexes and appliances. The technology is particularly Impressions for 2 Implants: An In Vitro Study
cause discomfort, digital impressions are advantageous in cases where high preci- Evaluating the Effect of Implant Angulation.” Int
quick and do not require using impression sion is required, such as in the fabrication J Implant Dent, vol. 7, 2021, p. 75, https://doi.
materials that many find unpleasant. 9,10 This of complex prosthetics or implant dentist- org/10.1186/s40729-021-00355-6.
4. Kao, Tzu-Yung, et al. “Accuracy of Digital
improvement in patient comfort can lead to ry. However, there may be limitations in Impressions for Three-Unit and Four-Unit Im-
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increased patient satisfaction and a more certain scenarios that still require traditional plant Supported Fixed Dental Prostheses Using
positive perception of dental visits, which methods, such as extensive edentulous areas a Novel Device.” Journal of Dental Sciences,
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dental anxiety or those who have had nega- technology may not yet provide optimal org/10.1016/j.jds.2022.10.014.
tive experiences with traditional impression results. Understanding the strengths and 5. Amin, Sarah et al. “Digital vs. conventional
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methods. limitations of both digital and traditional full-arch implant impressions: a comparative
methods allows clinicians to make informed study.” Clinical oral implants research vol.
Cost Considerations decisions based on individual patient needs. 28,11 (2017): 1360-1367. doi:10.1111/clr.12994.
The cost of implementing digital impression 6. Lee, Sang J, and German O Gallucci. “Digital
systems can be significant, with initial in- Future Trends and Developments vs. conventional implant impressions: efficien-
cy outcomes.” Clinical oral implants research
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ever, digital methods can reduce long-term is promising, with ongoing advancements 0501.2012.02430.x
costs by minimizing the need for impres- expected to refine accuracy and efficiency 7. de Oliveira, Nathalia R Cunha, et al. “Clini-
sion materials and reducing the number of further. Integrating artificial intelligence and cal Efficiency and Patient Preference of Digital
remakes due to inaccuracies. Moreover, other emerging technologies may pave the and Conventional Workflow for Single Implant
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the potential for increased efficiency and re- way for even more transformative changes Crowns Using Immediate and Regular Digital
duced chair time can lead to higher patient in the field. 17,18 These advancements could Impression: A Meta-Analysis.” Clinical Oral
throughput, which can offset the initial in- include enhanced diagnostic capabilities, Implants Research, vol. 31, no. 8, 2020, pp. 669-
vestment over time. Practices may also ben- improved predictive modeling for treatment 686, doi:10.1111/clr.13604.
8. Joda, Tim, et al. “Time-Efficiency and
efit from reduced storage needs for physical outcomes, and further automation of the Cost-Analysis Comparing Three Digital Work-
models, as digital files can be easily stored dental workflow. As technology evolves, flows for Treatment with Monolithic Zirco-
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crucial for dental professionals aiming to ble-Blinded RCT.” Journal of Dentistry, vol.
provide cutting-edge care.
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