Accuracy of Casts Fabricated by Digital and Conventional Implant Impressions

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of stereolithographic casts (SCs) with those obtained using conventional implant impressions. An epoxy resin model containing dental implants was used as master model. Dental casts (n = 10) were fabricated through both conventional and digital implant impressions. The conventional casts (CCs), SCs, and the master model were digitized, and the accuracy was determined through a deviation analysis and linear measurements. Data were analyzed using paired Student t test with P < .05. The SCs showed higher deviation at the vestibular area (CC: 41 +/- 28.87 mu m; SC: 117 +/- 36.83 mu m) and lingual cusps (CC: 40.70 +/- 19.79 mu m; SC: 80 +/- 42.95 mu m) in comparison with CCs. No statistically significant difference was found for linear measurements of conventional and digital casts. The entire-arch accuracy was comparable between casts. However, SCs were less accurate at the cusp level in comparison with CCs.