Digital Impressions from the Laboratory Technicians Perspective - Term Paper Example

 The quality of tooth preparation was not assessed. Impressions were then ranked using a 3-point Likert scale: Satisfactory, Questionable, and Unsatisfactory. Similarly, 74 DIs were evaluated using a specific evaluation form by a calibrated examiner. Digital system brand, arch, and required restoration were recorded. Impressions were evaluated for the following: inadequate scanned data, unclear margins, improper moisture control, improper powder application, improper bite registration, and presence of obstructions.

Impressions were ranked using a 2-point Likert scale: Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square and Fisher’s exact test. Furthermore, a comparison between CI and DI sent to the lab was done through a survey answered by dental lab technicians’. Results: A total of 57.9% CI was satisfactory and a significant difference was noted between tray-type groups and impression ranking c2(4, n= 257)=17.36, p < 0.001. A total of 78.4% of DIs were satisfactory. The most frequent types of errors in CI were the existence of tears, bubbles, and voids at the finish line resulting in unclear preparation margins at 36.

3%, where the most frequent error in DI was inadequate scanned data at 18.9%. Regarding the Survey, 57.69% of technicians determined that the number of errors in DI is less than CI and that the frequency of remakes in DI is also less than CI by 63.46%. The results indicated that a total of 51.92% of the lab technicians advised for a shift to DI. The study concludes that DI is a better option than CI as a measure of its reduced errors and ease of use. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, when it comes to single-unit restorations, dentists have to reconsider their impression taking methods and techniques.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT This project has been written with assistance from different people who have all been influential in guiding me through the course of the research. I first want to thank God for the strength and dedication he gave me to work on my capstone. I secondly want to extend a hand of gratitude to my supervisor for his valuable advice that helped me develop the quality of this thesis. I would also like to thank him for being patient enough to offer his genuine professional guidance especially during the initial and final stages of my research.

I very much appreciate the material assistance I got from the School regarding the provision of sufficient data for the project. Finally, I want to thank all of my colleagues from the department who offered me their encouragement throughout my studies.