Accuracy of casts fabricated by digital and conventional implant impressions

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of stereolithographic casts 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 (CC), stereolithographic casts (SC) and the master model (MM) were digitized and the accuracy was determined through a deviation analysis and linear measure-ments. Data were analyzed using paired Student`s t-test with p < 0.05. Stereolithographic casts showed higher deviation at vestibular area (CIC: 41 ± 28.87; SC: 117 ± 36.83 µm) and lingual cusps (CC: 40.70 ± 19.79; SC: 80 ± 42.95 µm) in comparison to conventional casts. No statistically significant difference was found for linear measurements of conventional and digital casts. The entire-arch accuracy was comparable between casts. However, stereolithographic casts were less accurate at the cusp level in comparison with conv...