Replacement of a single-tooth implant restoration with the abutment dual-scanning technique: a case report

Background: Digital technologies have not only revolutionized workflow strategies for implant- supported fixed prostheses but also changed preferences in the choice of restoration retention. Owing to the effortlessness of developing workflows with digitalization, screw-retention has become favored for initial prostheses. However, cement retention is still indicated for cases in which abutment reuse is needed for replacing failing restorations with technical complications. Case presentation: In this case report, a modified digital workflow is described for treating an impaired occlusal relationship. A dual-scan approach for an abutment-level digital implant impression to remake a cement retained implant supported fixed restoration is defined in detail. Conclusion: Clinicians can highly benefit from the presented strategy, which offers an efficient digital workflow to simplify cement-retained abutment level impressions through the use of an intraoral scanner. Exchanging intra- and extra-orally surface scanned abutment data may become an option in complete digital model-free workflows for addressing problems related to cement-retained implant supported fixed prostheses.