Influence of Implant Scan Body Design and Adjunctive Digital Workflows on the Accuracy of Full-Arch Implant Impressions: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Background Implant scan bodies (ISBs) act as intraoral fiducials that transfer three-dimensional implant position into digital prosthetic workflows. Variations in ISB design and digital impression protocols have been associated with differences in accuracy for full-arch implant-supported prostheses; however, this evidence has not been comprehensively mapped. Objective To map and synthesize the available evidence on implant scan body (ISB) design characteristics and digital workflows influencing the accuracy of full-arch implant-supported digital impressions. Methods A structured electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published between 2014 and 2025. Reference list screening was additionally performed to identify relevant studies. Studies evaluating implant scan body design variables (geometry, material, surface properties, and splinting) or digital impression workflows relevant to full-arch implant-supported prostheses were included. Data extraction focused on study design, evaluated variables, digital workflow characteristics, and reported accuracy outcomes. Results Sixty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. The evidence base consisted predominantly of in vitro investigations, with limited clinical studies and two randomized clinical trials included for contextual workflow comparison. Implant scan body geometry, material composition, surface characteristics, and splinting were the most frequently investigated variables. Splinting generally improved scan stability and reduced cumulative stitching errors in full-arch scans. Scanner-related factors, scanning strategy, and operator experience also influenced trueness and precision. Several studies reported promising accuracy with photogrammetry in wide-span implant rehabilitations, although clinical validation remains limited. Conclusion Current evidence suggests that implant scan body design and digital workflow variables both influence the accuracy of full-arch digital implant impressions. Optimized scan body geometry, favorable optical material properties, appropriate splinting, and standardized scanning protocols may enhance digital impression accuracy. Further well-designed clinical investigations are required to validate these findings in routine practice.