Title Effectiveness of an AI-assisted digital workflow for Complete-Arch implant impressions: an In Vitro comparative study
Authors Tallarico, Marco ; Qaddomi, Mohammad ; De Rosa, Elena ; Cacciò, Carlotta ; Meloni, Silvio Mario ; Gedvilienė, Ieva ; Att, Wael ; Bourgi, Rim ; Lumbau, Aurea Maria ; Cervino, Gabriele
DOI 10.3390/dj13100462
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Is Part of Dentistry journal.. Basel : MDPI AG. 2025, vol. 13, iss. 10, art. no. 462, p. [1-12].. eISSN 2304-6767
Keywords [eng] digital workflow ; artificial intelligence ; SmartX ; intraoral scanner ; implant dentistry ; Complete-Arch impressions
Abstract [eng] Background: The accuracy and consistency of complete-arch digital impressions are fundamental for long-term success of implant-supported rehabilitations. Recently, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools, such as SmartX (Medit Link v3.4.2, MEDIT Corp., Seoul, South of Korea), have been introduced to enhance scan body recognition and data alignment during intraoral scanning. Objective: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the impact of SmartX on impression accuracy, consistency, operator confidence, and technique sensitivity in complete-arch implant workflows. Methods: Seventy-two digital impressions were recorded on edentulous mandibular models with four dummy implants, using six experimental subgroups based on scan body design (double- or single-wing), scanning technique (occlusal or combined straight/zigzag), and presence/absence of SmartX tool. Each group was scanned by both an expert and a novice operator (n = 6 scans per subgroup). Root mean square (RMS) deviation and scanning time were assessed. Data were tested for normality (Shapiro–Wilk). Parametric tests (t-test, repeated measures ANOVA with Greenhouse–Geisser correction) or non-parametric equivalents (Mann–Whitney U, Friedman) were applied as appropriate. Post hoc comparisons used Tukey HSD or Dunn–Bonferroni tests (α = 0.05). Results: SmartX significantly improved consistency and operator confidence, especially among novices, although it did not yield statistically significant differences in scan accuracy (p > 0.05). The tool mitigated early scanning errors and reduced dependence on operator technique. SmartX also enabled successful library alignment with minimal data; however, scanning time was generally longer with its use, particularly for beginners. Conclusions: While SmartX did not directly enhance trueness, it substantially improved scan reliability and user experience in complete-arch workflows. Its ability to minimize technique sensitivity and improve reproducibility makes it a valuable aid in both training and clinical settings. Further clinical validation is warranted to support its integration into routine practice.
Published Basel : MDPI AG
Type Journal article
Language English
Publication date 2025
CC license CC license description