Objective: The present manuscript describes a technique to virtually switch an implant scan body eliminating the need of obtaining a new intraoral implant digital scan.
Clinical considerations: Implant scan bodies assist on transferring the 3-dimensional position of the implants into the virtual definitive implant cast. However, if a different implant part is desired during the designing procedures of the implant restoration such as selecting a different implant abutment of varying height, angulation, or manufacturer, a new intraoral implant digital scan with the specific implant scan body is required.
Conclusions: This novel protocol aims to reduce possible complications that require capturing a new intraoral implant digital scan, facilitate prostheses design modifications after the obtention of the definitive intraoral implant digital scan, and to ease the manufacturing procedures.
Clinical significance: The novel technique may provide a solution for virtually switch implant scan bodies for fabricating implant-supported single crowns or short-span prostheses. Additional studies are needed before its clinical implementation.
Keywords: accuracy; digital impression; implant dentistry; intraoral scanner; prosthodontics.
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