Digital vs Conventional Workflow for Screw-Retained Single-Implant Crowns: A Comparison of Key Considerations

PURPOSE: To evaluate patient perception and operating time of digital (DW) and conventional (CW) workflows for the rehabilitation of a screw-retained, single-implant crown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A convenience sample of 10 patients with single implants in posterior sites was recruited for treatment with screw-retained single crowns, fabricated with either a DW or a CW protocol. Operating time and clinical adjusting time were recorded with a stopwatch, and patient preference and self-perception of the esthetic outcome were evaluated with a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The mean operating time for the DW crowns was 16:21 minutes and for the CW crowns was 28:28 minutes. The mean total adjustment times were 118.1 seconds for the DW protocol and 181.5 seconds for the CW protocol. The mean score regarding self-perception of the esthetic outcome was 73 for DW crowns and 69 for CW crowns; for discomfort, the mean score was 15.5 for DW and 62 for CW. CONCLUSION: The DW approach resulted in a time reduction for both the impression phase and operative time.