Conventional fixture-level implant impression techniques in combination with master casts and porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crowns still represent the gold standard in the manufacturing process of fixed implant-supported restorations. However, it is often associated with long time-consuming appointment, complex technique sensitive fabrication steps using expensive equipment, materials, as well as patient related hindrances like suffocation hazard, gagging and taste irritation during the impression taking procedures. An alternative to the well-established conventional impression technique is the next gen digital approach. The clinical patient situation is virtually registered with a contact-free transfer using an intraoral optical scanner (IOS) system.

With regard to accuracy, clinical and in vitro studies have reported variability in results when comparing digital scanning with conventional impression procedures for tooth supported fixed partial dentures. Additionally, the accuracy of digital scanning has been reported to depend on the scanning protocol, operator experience and training, type of arch scans, and use of a reflective agent.

Although many in vitro studies have been conducted to evaluate marginal and internal fit of implant supported restorations, very few in vivo studies have been carried out to evaluate the same.

So, the objective of this in vivo study is to evaluate and compare marginal and internal fit of implant retained prostheses fabricated using conventional and digital workflow.