Digital Workflow in Implant-Supported Prostheses: Clinical Outcomes and Accuracy Evaluation
Digital Workflow, Implant Prosthodontics, Intraoral Scanning, CAD/CAM, Accuracy, Clinical Outcomes, Guided Surgery
AuthorsAbstractDigital workflows have transformed implant-supported prosthodontics by integrating advanced technologies such as intraoral scanning, computeraided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and guided surgery, aiming to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes. To critically evaluate the current evidence on digital workflows in implantsupported prostheses, focusing on accuracy, clinical outcomes, and efficiency. A narrative review was conducted using literature from major databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Relevant clinical studies, in vitro investigations, and systematic reviews published in recent years were analyzed to synthesize key findings related to digital workflows. Digital workflows demonstrated comparable or superior accuracy to conventional methods in single-unit and short-span restorations, while full-arch rehabilitations showed variable outcomes due to cumulative errors. Intraoral scanning improved patient comfort and reduced treatment time. Clinical outcomes, including implant survival and prosthetic success, were favorable and comparable to conventional techniques. Additionally, digital workflows enhanced efficiency through reduced chairside time and streamlined laboratory processes, although high initial costs and technical complexity remain challenges. Digital workflows offer significant advantages in implant prosthodontics, including improved precision, efficiency, and patient experience. However, limitations in complex cases and the need for standardized protocols and long-term clinical evidence highlight the necessity for further research.
IntroductionImplement-retained prostheses have become a standard of modern oral rehabilitation and they have provided reliable functional and esthetic prognoses in partially and completely edentulous patients. Innovations in biomaterials, surgery, and prosthetic design have greatly enhanced the survival rates of the implants and patient satisfaction in the long run. Nevertheless, the ancient protocol of the implant prosthodontics, based on the conventional impressions, stone casts and hand-laboratory techniques, is still linked with various sources of inaccuracy, more time spent at the chairside, and patient discomfort [1]. These constraints have prompted the shift of turning to digital technologies that will improve preciseness, efficiency, and reproducibility. Digital workflow in implant prosthodontics Digital workflow in implant prosthodontics is the connection of computerized systems at all points of the treatment process, such as the data acquisition, the virtual planning, the prosthesis design, and the fabrication. Intraoral scanners (IOS), computeraided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and guided implant surgery have essentially changed the way clinical and laboratory processes are carried out. These technologies make it possible to build an entire digital chain and minimize the use of physical models as well as decrease the number of cumulative errors in the procedures [2]. The •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ejprd.org- Published by Riset Publishing Services LLC.
EJPRD
Copyright © 2026 by Riset Publishing Services LLC