Published Paper


In Pursuit of Precision: Digital vs. Conventional Impressions in Pediatric Dentistry

1 Yash Bafna; 2 Shrusti Shah; 3 Shobha Fernandes
1,2,3 Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Narsinhbhai Patel Dental College and Hospital, Visnagar, Gujarat, India
Page: 1400-1410
Published on: 2025 September

Abstract

Background: Pediatric dental impressions play a vital role in diagnosis and treatment planning. Choosing between conventional and digital impression techniques can significantly influence clinical outcomes and patient experience. This study compares the accuracy, efficiency, and comfort of alginate and digital impression methods in pediatric patients. Aim: To compare the accuracy and efficiency of alginate and digital impression techniques in pediatric patients. Materials and Method: This randomized clinical trial included 50 children aged 3 to 10 years, divided into Group I (Primary Dentition, 3–6 years) and Group II (Mixed Dentition, 7–10 years). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either digital or conventional impressions first using the Random Number Table method. Key outcomes included dimensional accuracy (measuring canine-molar length, inter-canine width, and inter-molar width). Secondary outcomes assessed patient comfort, gag reflex, and impression time using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Results: In Primary Dentition, digital impressions showed smaller mean differences in dimensional measurements compared to conventional methods. In Mixed Dentition, the scanner showed slightly higher mean values. Digital impressions required less time and caused significantly less gag reflex. Children reported greater comfort with intraoral scanning, with results statistically significant. Conclusion: Digital intraoral scanning in pediatric dentistry offers superior speed, dimensional accuracy, and patient comfort compared to traditional alginate impressions. Its integration into clinical practice enhances diagnostic precision and patient experience, presenting a valuable tool for modern pediatric dental care.

 

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