Photogrammetry in Implant Dentistry: A Game Changer for Full Arch Cases
Dental photogrammetry is transforming full-arch implant workflows through unmatched accuracy and optimized efficiency. In this blog, we discuss how photogrammetry in implant dentistry is transforming patient care, clinical accuracy, and digital workflow.
What is Dental Photogrammetry?
Dental photogrammetry utilizes coded markers and multi-angle imaging to capture precise 3D positional relationships of implant fixtures - especially important in complicated full-arch cases. Although traditional intraoral scanning is based on stitching together multiple images, photogrammetry provides micrometre-level precision in one capture.
Why is it a disruptive technology in implant dentistry?
Superior Accuracy
A recent in vitro study evaluating photogrammetry systems (Icam4D, PIC), intraoral scanning, and conventional impressions found that photogrammetry outperformed all other systems. The RMS deviations were significantly less; Icam4D had an RMS deviation of 10.87 µm and PIC had 13.35 µm, whereas for intraoral scanning, the RMS deviation was 91.75 µm.
Streamlined full-arch capture
Traditional scanning usually produces stitching errors during use, especially in long-span restorations. Photogrammetry in implant dentistry reduces those errors by capturing the implant positions in one capture using high-accuracy coded scan bodies.
Improved workflow and collaboration
Digital capture is embedded in the CAD/CAM workflow. When your practice adopts dental photogrammetry scanners, the immediate advantage slides beyond the operator into the workflow: fewer pathways for data to cross into the lab, and, as we know, the fewer the gestures, the better! Less chair activity, fewer remakes, and fewer meandering pick-ups all translate to smoother operations at the end of the day.
Passive fit and a longer term.
Capture via photogrammetry seeds a harvest of passively fitting prostheses. Less mechanical strain means fewer joints subjected to disruptive forces, so screw loosening, micro-motion, and latent bone loss all cluster small. Reliability of tradition swells further, and the reassurance promised to the patient becomes the reassurance delivered. Why are you constantly using other website links? It is not a blog post; remove this link.
Choosing the right scanner.
Extraoral versus intraoral: Earlier scanners forced intraoral photogrammetry to stay guided by incoming impressions from the chair. Making tissue visible required additional time and introduced extra steps into the workflow. The latest integrated intraoral functions combine scans of marginal tissue so the readout shows hard and soft data with a click, skipping those detours and polishing the chair-side clock.
Hybrid Systems: Some scanners combine features of both, offering flexibility depending on case complexity and clinic needs. Scan body mats and light growth data for scan coping, soft click, and implant pillars, ideal for the small practice where the bigger arches are rare yet the prize for accuracy is always shining.
Real Results & Academically Supported
Applied Sciences Study: Compared the 3Shape Trios 3 and Medit i500 intraoral scanners with photogrammetry (PIC) under various implant distributions. All methods achieved high precision; however, photogrammetry outperformed the scanners in many cases, and especially in certain distributions.
Clinical Evaluations: Inside Dentistry (July 2025) and DESS (Oct 2024) demonstrate how photogrammetry adds to accuracy, more comfort for the patient, and simplicity for the full-arch rehabilitation workflow.
Functional Benefits for Your Practice
Comfort & Efficiency -Your patients no longer have to tolerate a goopy tray or triple impressions for an implant case. The patients certainly appreciate this benefit, and your lab does as well.
Accuracy - With less distortion and accuracy within the micrometer, you can be more confident in your treatment outcomes.
Digital Integration - CAD/CAM ready. Everything can be done digitally, including the design and fabrication of the restoration.
Reliability - Passive-fit devices reduce the risk of future complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Versatility - Available in extraoral, intraoral, and hybrid configurations. All options have positives depending on the clinic's current workflow process and the number of cases completed.
In conclusion
Due to the highest accuracy, simplicity in processes, and improved comfort for patients during full-arch cases, dental photogrammetry Scanners are transforming implant dentistry. At Digital Arches we are utilizing this technology to offer consistency in excellence from capture to final restoration. What are you waiting for? Join us at Digital Arches, and launch your practice into the future of implant dentistry.
