Virtual models obtained via intraoral scanning as alternated to clinical evaluation and β-hemihydrate plaster models

Abstract

Digital scanners are currently use in various fields of dentistry such as prosthodontics, dental implantology, orthodontics, with a high degree of accuracy, mostly for replacing conventional impressions. The aim of the present study was to assess the accuracy (trueness and precision) of gingival margin measurements, on virtual models obtained by intraoral scanning, for precise diagnosis and treatment monitoring of periodontal disease. Three methods were compared for accuracy: clinical measurements using periodontal probes, digital intraoral scanning and measurements in MeshLab software and 2D digital measurements on intraoral photography taken during clinical measurements. Intraoral scanning was proved to be a reliable method for measuring the gingival level for diagnosis and clinical monitoring having a good accuracy as compared to the gold standard (clinical measurements).