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Intraoral Scanning vs. Conventional Impression Making: Which is Better for Patients?

In the world of prosthodontics, advancements in technology have revolutionized the way dental procedures are performed. One such innovation is intraoral scanning, a digital method for capturing accurate impressions of patients' oral structures.

This exciting alternative to conventional impression making has garnered attention not only from dental professionals but also from the patients themselves. Today, we delve into the research conducted by Thalita de Paris Matos, DDS, MS, and a team of esteemed dental experts, as they present a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing patient-related outcomes between intraoral scanning and traditional impression methods.


Understanding the Need for Patient-Centric Approaches in Prosthetic Rehabilitation

When it comes to dental procedures, patient satisfaction and comfort are of utmost importance.

Conventional impression making, though a long-standing technique, may pose certain challenges and discomforts for patients. On the other hand, intraoral scanning promises a more convenient and patient-friendly experience.


In this section, we explore the purpose behind the systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by Thalita de Paris Matos et al., aimed at shedding light on the patient-related outcomes of these two techniques Intraoral Scanning vs Conventional Impression Making.


The Quest for Optimal Patient Preference and Satisfaction

Patient preference and satisfaction play crucial roles in any medical or dental treatment. In this section, we delve into the comprehensive research methodology employed by Matos et al. to identify and analyze studies comparing intraoral scanning and conventional impression making for prosthetic rehabilitation.

The Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale were utilized to ensure the quality of the studies reviewed, and the authors present their findings with utmost clarity.

Unraveling the Findings: Key Outcomes in Prosthetic Rehabilitation Intraoral Scanning vs. Conventional Impression Making

Key Information

Findings

Patient Preference

Intraoral scanning preferred

Patient Satisfaction

Intraoral scanning likely high satisfaction (related to preference)

Discomfort

Less discomfort with intraoral scanning

Nausea

Lower incidence with intraoral scanning

Unpleasant Taste

Reduced occurrence with intraoral scanning

Breathing Difficulty

Less difficulty with intraoral scanning

Total Articles Identified

1626

Studies Included in Meta-analyses

11

Matos et al. provide insightful data on patient preferences, satisfaction levels, discomfort, and various other factors that influence the overall experience during the prosthetic rehabilitation process. From the 1626 articles screened, 11 studies emerged as key contributors to the meta-analyses, with statistically significant differences between the two methods.


Conclusion:

As the field of prosthodontics continues to embrace technological advancements, it is essential for dental professionals and students alike to keep pace with the evolving landscape. The work by Thalita de Paris Matos, DDS, MS, and her esteemed colleagues brings to light the patient-centric approach in prosthetic rehabilitation. Intraoral scanning stands out as a viable alternative to conventional impression making, promising increased patient preference and satisfaction, along with reduced discomfort and anxiety.


By acknowledging the original work and the team's dedication, we invite our audience to explore the full article on Science Direct and stay informed about the latest breakthroughs in dental technology and patient care.


Reference:


Authors: Thalita de Paris Matos, DDS, MS; Letícia Maíra Wambier, DDS, MS, PhD; Michael Willian Favoreto, DDS; Alessandra Reis, DDS, PhD; Alessandro Dourado Loguercio, DDS, MS, PhD

Source: Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry

Link: https://www.thejpd.org/article/S0022-3913(21)00493-5/fulltext


Happy Learning!


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