Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy of superimposition of customized abutment library data onto scanned abutment data according to the extent of the scanning area.
Materials and methods: A patient model was fabricated by a 3D printer (Probo, DIO Implant), and a customized abutment was fabricated using a four-axis milling machine (ARUM 4X-100, Doowon). The customized abutment library data were generated using a laboratory scanner (E3, 3Shape) for superimposition after intraoral scanning. A cone-shaped structure was embedded into the library data at the center of the connection part. The customized abutment was placed on the model, and the model was scanned using a laboratory scanner to produce reference data. Three different test group datasets were generated using intraoral scanner and computer-aided design software: (1) fully scanned customized abutment; (2) insufficiently scanned proximal surface; and (3) insufficiently scanned margin, assuming challenging intraoral conditions. The library data were superimposed onto each test group; thereafter, the distance and angle between the reference and test group data were analyzed by using the embedded cone. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Tukey test for multiple comparisons.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the mean distance and angle of the test group data (with three different scanning areas) and the reference data.
Conclusion: The superimposition technique can be used clinically, not only when the scan is complete, but also when the proximal surface and margin of the customized abutment have been scanned incompletely.