Influence of camera position, implant angulation and implant reference on the accuracy of complete arch implant recordings with photogrammetry

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of various implant angulations, camera positions and number of implant references on the accuracy of a photogrammetry device for complete arch implant prostheses. Materials and methods. 2 edentulous models, one with 6 parallel implants (PM) and other with 6 angled implants (AM), underwent digitalization with a coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to establish a reference standard. Both models underwent 20 impressions with 2 different camera positions and 3 different implant references, with a total of 240 impressions. Euclidean linear and angular measurements were obtained on the reference cast and each experimental scan and compared. Absolute (n) and relative frequencies (%) of true and precise measurements at 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Chi-squared tests were used to assess differences in trueness and precision between these factors. Results. 3660 distances and 1440 angles were analyzed for trueness. The absolute difference was 54 ± 46 µm and 0.341 ± 0.301º. Precision was 18 ± 23 µm from 68400 measured distances and 0.048 ± 0.074º for the 22800 angulations measured. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were identified between PM and Am, A1 and A2 and number of references in both distances and angulations for trueness and precision. Conclusion. Implant angulations, camera positions and number of implant references used affected the precision and trueness of Precise Implant Capture (PIC) system. However, these differences did not show clinically relevant values.