Transferring implant positions in the digital workflow

English technical abstract

The article begins with the prosthetic project rather than the implant itself. In an edentulous patient, a verified provisional restoration is the reference for vertical dimension, tooth position and occlusion. The digital impression for the definitive prosthesis should preserve this information and combine it with accurate implant positions and soft-tissue morphology.

The authors compare three scenarios. Scan bodies alone are used as a basic record that must be verified with a prototype. Rigidly splinted Scan Transfers in a printed jig simplify scanning and support both ReScan and a physical master. The third option uses a modified provisional restoration as the impression and transfer carrier, allowing the laboratory to receive implant positions, teeth, occlusion and soft tissues in a single workflow.

implant-position transferScanTransfercross-mountingdigital impressionAll-on-4

Editorial note: This page is an English technical adaptation and practical interpretation of the original Italian source, not a literal translation. The original PDF is attached below for verification of the methodology, wording and image documentation.

What the article shows

Data packageProvisional restoration intraorally, antagonist and occlusion, facial record, extraoral provisional restoration, and soft tissues with scan bodies.

Scenario 1Scan bodies alone require a verification prototype because a smooth mesh does not prove the accuracy of the complete system.

Scenario 2Splinted Scan Transfers create a rigid reference for intraoral and extraoral scanning and for a physical master.

Scenario 3Using the provisional restoration as the transfer carrier adds tooth position, vertical dimension and occlusion without having to reconstruct these relationships again.

What the laboratory needs to receive to avoid reconstructing clinical reality from incomplete data

Definitive full-arch project

01Implants

3D position, axis, platform and spatial relationships.

02Soft tissues

Emergence, tissue-support area and available prosthetic space.

03Zuby

Verified provisional setup, midline, tooth length and lip support.

04Okluze

Intermaxillary relationship and functional contacts.

05Validation

A physical reference or prototype that verifies implant positions.

Cross-mounting is an information-transfer strategy.

Its value is not merely file registration, but preservation of verified relationships from the provisional restoration into the definitive prosthesis.

What this means for the laboratory and clinic

Before the first definitive scan, define which information has already been clinically verified and must be preserved.
Name the scans clearly and deliver them as one logical package, including occlusion and an extraoral record of the provisional restoration.
Do not treat scan bodies alone as definitive proof of accuracy in a full-arch case without a prototype or independent validation.
Use a rigid transfer or the provisional restoration as a common reference object linking multiple datasets.

How this connects with IPD content

This page connects Scan Transfer, digital analogs and ScanLogiQ in one practical scenario. From the article, the user can move to the appropriate product for a specific task: capture implant positions, create a verification model, or deliver a complete data package to the laboratory.

Limitations and cautious interpretation

The case described uses a specific scanner, software, implants and MUA. The number of scans and the registration method must be adapted to the clinical situation, and the accuracy of the specific alignment must be verified. The statement about the reliability of scan bodies alone reflects the authors’ position within the described workflow.

Original source article

Original title: Il trasferimento della posizione implantare nell’era digitale: riflessioni e tecniche a confronto

Authors and source: R. Scrascia, N. Palladino; Rivista Italiana di Stomatologia, 1/2024.

Download the original PDF

The original Italian document contains the complete text, image documentation and any bibliography included by the authors.

PDF

Related IPD pages and workflows

Glossary of technical terms

cross-mounting: Transfer and registration of verified tooth position, occlusion and other relationships between the provisional restoration and definitive design.
scan transfer: Scanning and transfer component intended for rigid splinting of multiple implant positions.
master: A physical or digital reference assembly against which accuracy is verified.
MUA: Multi-Unit Abutment, an intermediary component used particularly for multi-implant and full-arch restorations.

Transferring implant positions in the digital era