Optimizing Digital Impressions

Digital impressions play a central role in contemporary restorative and implant dentistry. Their accuracy directly influences laboratory workflows, manufacturing precision, and ultimately clinical outcomes. In this webinar, Dr. Keeling presents an evidence‑based overview of how digital impressions should be approached as a clinical procedure rather than a purely technological task.

The presentation begins by examining why digital impressions have become essential in modern dentistry. Advances in CAD/CAM manufacturing, restorative materials and digital laboratory workflows demand highly accurate and reliable impression data. Errors introduced during scanning can propagate throughout the entire digital workflow, affecting prosthetic fit, function and long‑term success.

Dr. Keeling compares intraoral scanning and extraoral model scanning, outlining their respective strengths, limitations and clinical indications. Current evidence regarding trueness and precision is reviewed, emphasizing that scanner selection alone does not guarantee accuracy.

A significant portion of the webinar focuses on margin capture, particularly in subgingival preparations. Tissue management, preparation design and scanning protocols are discussed as critical factors influencing impression quality. Practical recommendations are provided to improve predictability in daily clinical practice.

Implant‑supported restorations are addressed with specific attention to bounded saddle and free‑end saddle situations. The influence of scan strategy, reference geometry and implant distribution on accuracy is explained using clinical examples.

The webinar also reviews the evidence related to full‑arch digital impressions. Sources of cumulative error and stitching inaccuracies are discussed, along with clinical strategies to reduce distortion in both dentate and partially edentulous arches.

Finally, Dr. Keeling explores digital impression workflows for edentulous patients, complete dentures and the emerging role of artificial intelligence in digital dentistry. While AI shows promise in optimizing workflows, the presentation reinforces that sound clinical principles remain the foundation of successful digital outcomes.