Extraoral vs intraoral photogrammetry

Intraoral photogrammetry replaces standalone extraoral photogrammetry systems. Using one affordable intraoral scanner, it captures precise implant positions and soft tissue topography, enabling accurate full- and partial-arch restorations in a single digital workflow.

For the past 10-15 years, photogrammetry has been a specialized technique in multiple implant dentistry. Its primary application was in full-arch implant cases, where capturing the precise spatial relationship between multiple implants was paramount. Partial arch cases were not considered suitable for photogrammetry.

The core value of photogrammetry lies in its exceptional accuracy in capturing the exact 3D position of implants. This accuracy is crucial for ensuring the fabrication of a prosthesis with a perfect passive fit. An inaccurate fit can lead to biomechanical problems such as screw loosening, component fracture, or framework failure, as well as biological problems like peri-implantitis or bone loss.

Until recently, all photogrammetry systems relied on extraoral cameras or scanners, which were dedicated, standalone devices. However, this approach had a significant limitation: it only captured the 3D position of the implants relative to each other. It lacked data on the surrounding soft tissues, adjacent hard tissues/teeth, or the opposing arch. Consequently, the use of an intraoral scanner to acquire additional scans was mandatory.

In a revolutionary shift, Intraoral Photogrammetry has emerged as a major technological advancement. This new technique allows for the performance of photogrammetry scans using a newly introduced intraoral scanner.

This innovative approach offers numerous transformative advantages. Thanks to advanced hardware and software, the same intraoral scanner can now capture both precise photogrammetry data of implant positions and detailed surface topography of soft tissues and adjacent teeth/hard tissues. A series of intraoral scans are performed, and the software seamlessly integrates all the data into a single, unified relationship. This groundbreaking advancement extends the application of photogrammetry to partial arch implant cases. The scanner can accurately relate the precise implant position to the remaining natural dentition and soft tissues, making it feasible for smaller, more prevalent restorations.

The system is significantly more affordable than traditional extraoral photogrammetry systems, dramatically increasing accessibility for a broader range of dental practices.

We are witnessing a pivotal moment where photogrammetry is evolving from a specialized, extraoral tool for complex full-arch cases into a more integrated, versatile, and cost-effective component of the mainstream digital workflow through intraoral photogrammetry.