South Asian Research Journal of Oral and Dental Sciences (SARJODS) (ICV 2020: 76.24)
Clinical and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Digital vs Conventional Workflows in Implant-Supported Restorations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Abstract
Objective: In recent years, the increasing adoption of fully digital workflows in dentistry (intraoral scanning → CAD/CAM design → 3D printing) has profoundly transformed clinical procedures, particularly in implant-supported restorations. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effects of fully digital workflows, compared to conventional methods, on marginal fit, occlusal accuracy, biomechanical durability, patient satisfaction, and complication rates. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective clinical studies, and in vitro/clinical comparative studies published between 2015 and 2025. Study selection criteria were determined according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data extracted from the included studies were analyzed using a meta-analysis approach to compare the clinical performance of fully digital and conventional workflows in implant-supported restorations. Results: A total of 18 studies (n = 965 restorations) were analyzed. The meta-analysis results revealed that fully digital workflows provided, on average, 25–35 µm better marginal fit, demonstrated comparable performance to conventional methods in terms of occlusal fit, and offered a clear advantage in biomechanical durability, particularly with 3D printing-supported hybrid structures. Patient satisfaction was found to be significantly higher, mainly due to shorter treatment time and improved impression comfort. No statistically significant differences were observed in complication rates. Conclusion: The findings suggest that fully digital workflows in implant-supported restorations provide significant advantages in terms of clinical accuracy, patient comfort, and procedural efficiency. However, further prospective long-term clinical studies are needed to monitor long-term biomechanical durability and material-related complications.