The relevance of intraoral scanner (IOS) for periodontal diagnosis: A scoping review

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this scoping review was to map the literature on the application and relevance of intraoral scanners (IOS) in periodontal diagnosis.

Data: Reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, and the protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform under identification number CRD42024541948.

Sources: An electronic search covering the past 10 years was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases in September 2023 and updated on September 30, 2024.

Study selection: The search identified 524 articles, of which 52 were included in the review. These studies, with varying levels of evidence (6 RCTs, 21 interventional studies, 10 cross-sectional studies, 2 retrospective studies, and 13 case reports) covered various applications of IOS for periodontal diagnosis, including exclusive use in periodontology as well as the transversal application of IOS in other dental disciplines. The TRIOS camera was the most common type of IOS in the studies, featuring in 54 % of publications. Intraoral scanners were found to be highly accurate in measuring gingival thickness, when combined with CBCT, and keratinized tissue height. According to the studies, plaque detection and probing depth were evaluated with limited success due to examination bias. Software analysis enhanced the interpretation of IOS data, although limitations related to scanning protocols and the visualization of posterior and proximal areas were noted.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this scoping review, IOS represents a promising approach in the field of periodontology. As technological advancements continue, IOS should play an increasingly significant role in diagnostic procedures. Integrating intraoral scanning with traditional clinical methods could enhance diagnostic accuracy and contribute to more effective patient management in the future.

Keywords: 3D imaging; Digital; Gingival; IOS; Periodontal; Scoping review.