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For complete-arch implant-supported restorations, photogrammetry often records implant positions more accurately than intraoral scanners (IOS) in comparative studies—but the evidence does not show that it is always clinically superior or a replacement for IOS. The methods capture different information: photogrammetry focuses on the implants’ relative positions and angulations, while IOS captures visible soft tissue and broader arch anatomy. Many workflows use both.
What each method captures
Dental photogrammetry
A dedicated photogrammetry system records the three-dimensional positions and angulations of multiple implants, typically using markers or transfers. Its main contribution is an implant-position dataset; soft-tissue and arch information generally has to be recorded separately and combined with that dataset in dental CAD software.
PIC Dental describes its own file as containing “only the interrelated positions and angulations of the implants.” That is a vendor description of the PIC file, not an independent finding about comparative clinical performance. PIC Dental says its workflow can use scan bodies, healing caps, implant platforms, or transepithelial abutments as alignment markers; exact steps and compatibility are system-specific. PIC Dental workflow documentation
Intraoral scanning
An IOS uses optical scanning and implant scan bodies to create a digital record that can include visible soft tissue and arch anatomy as well as the scanned implant components. The resulting implant geometry depends on the scanner, scan-body library, implant platform, and case. An IOS therefore captures a broader set of visible information, but the quality of its implant-position record should be evaluated for the particular system and clinical situation. SHINING 3D dental scanning information
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Which is more accurate for full-arch implant impressions?
Recent reviews generally favor photogrammetry for recording implant positions in the complete-arch and multi-implant settings they studied, but their findings differ and should not be treated as a universal product ranking.
- A 2023 systematic review of nine studies—three clinical and six in vitro—reported comparable accuracy between IOS and photogrammetry for full-arch edentulous cases. The authors noted methodological variation and said that clinically tolerable misfit thresholds and objective criteria need verification in clinical studies. 2023 systematic review
- A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies—three in vivo and ten in vitro—found photogrammetry favored in ten studies, though results were not uniform. The review noted variation in methods and endpoints and called for further clinical trials. 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis
- A separate systematic review and meta-analysis published online in 2025 and included in a 2026 journal issue examined 14 studies. It found significantly better photogrammetry trueness and precision for the measured implant-position outcomes. This supports photogrammetry for that specific capture task in the studied settings; it does not establish better patient outcomes or superiority across every scanner, case, or complete prosthetic record. Systematic review and meta-analysis in the 2026 journal issue
These results are not directly interchangeable. Studies use different devices, reference methods, implant arrangements, and endpoints, and much of the evidence is in vitro. Trueness means closeness to a reference; precision means repeatability. A paper may also report linear or angular deviation, surface deviation, or distance between implants. A favorable result on one measure does not automatically mean better performance on every measure or a better clinical outcome. The reviews do not establish one universal micron cutoff for an acceptable fit.
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How the workflows differ
Photogrammetry with a separate anatomy scan
- Record implant positions: Use the dedicated photogrammetry system and its compatible markers or transfers to capture the implants’ relative positions and angulations.
- Capture tissue and arch anatomy: Make a separate IOS scan or use another suitable impression method to record soft tissue and broader arch geometry.
- Align the datasets: Combine the implant-position file and anatomy record in dental CAD software. The alignment method depends on the system and workflow; PIC Dental, for example, describes using several possible components as markers.
This approach divides the capture tasks between systems. It can be useful when accurate transfer of multiple implant positions is the priority, but it adds a separate capture and dataset-alignment step. PIC Dental workflow documentation
IOS implant scan
- Fit the compatible scan bodies: Confirm that the scan bodies and digital library match the implant platform and intended workflow.
- Scan the implant components and visible anatomy: Capture the scan bodies along with the soft tissue and arch information needed for the restoration.
- Check the record in the intended workflow: Scanner performance, scan-body geometry, library support, and case conditions all affect how implant geometry is resolved.
Unlike a photogrammetry-only implant-position file, the IOS record can include anatomy in the same scan. The workflow still depends on supported components, software libraries, and the clinical case. SHINING 3D dental scanning information
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When each approach fits
Consider photogrammetry when
- The case involves a complete arch or multiple implants and transferring their relative positions is a central requirement.
- The clinical team and laboratory can capture the necessary soft-tissue and arch information separately and align it with the implant-position data.
- The system supports the relevant implant platforms and the practice’s CAD workflow.
Consider IOS when
- The workflow needs a digital record of visible soft tissue and arch anatomy as well as scanned implant components.
- The scanner, scan-body library, implant platform, and case are supported in the intended workflow.
- The clinical team prefers one optical scanning workflow for the required information, subject to case-specific performance.
Consider a combined workflow when
Implant-position capture and tissue capture are both important, and the practice can manage separate records and their alignment. Photogrammetry and IOS are complementary: the first is focused on implant relationships, while the second can supply the surrounding anatomy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to compare evidence and choose a system
Before choosing a method for a particular case—or investing in a system—compare like with like rather than relying on a broad claim that one technology is “more accurate.”
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- Accuracy endpoint: Check whether a study reports trueness, precision, linear or angular deviation, surface deviation, or inter-implant distance.
- Evidence type: Note whether results come from in-vitro testing or in-vivo cases, how many implants were involved, and whether their number and distribution resemble the intended case.
- Capture coverage: Determine whether the system records implant positions alone or also the soft tissue and arch anatomy needed for the prosthesis.
- Workflow burden: Account for any separate scan or impression and the work required to align datasets in CAD.
- Compatibility: Verify supported implant platforms, markers or scan bodies, scanner libraries, and CAD workflow with the manufacturer and laboratory.
The comparative studies evaluate specific devices and protocols, not every current product. Confirm current model capabilities and platform support directly with the manufacturer and laboratory rather than assuming a review’s findings apply to an entire product category. 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis
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