| Objectives. +e impression-taking technique is one of the most critical factors that not only prevents the shrinkage caused by
polymerization but also enhances the accuracy of implant impressions. Also, choosing the right time of taking impressions after
splinting implants is one of the important criteria that affects the impression-taking technique. Accordingly, the present study
aimed to evaluate the accuracy of different splint methods for implant impressions made at different times. Methods. In this in
vitro study, a two-piece metallic index was prepared, and the patient’s jaw was simulated by placing self-cured acrylic resin in the
lower part of the index. +en, two holes were made in the acrylic resin at a specific distance from each other, and the analogs were
placed in these holes. Splinting of impression copings was carried out with autopolymerized acrylic resin (GC Pattern resin LS, GC
America Inc., USA), and an open tray impression approach was performed. +irty-six casts in three groups (n � 12) were
fabricated from the acrylic model. After scanning the casts, the impression accuracy was compared between the three study groups
by measuring the distance between the outer portions of the scan bodies screw-retained on implant analogs inside the cast using
the Exocad software (2015.07 version). Group 1: splinting impression copings with autopolymerized acrylic resin and impression
making immediately after the setting time (4 minutes); group 2: splinting and impression procedure after 17 minutes with splint
sectioning and reconnection; group 3: splinting and impression procedure after 24 hours with splint sectioning and reconnection.
+e data were analyzed using SPSS 17 using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Results. +e mean distance measured in group 1 was
19.14 ± 0.029 mm, which was significantly lower than the main model. +e distances were 19.15 ± 0.039 and 19.159 ± 0.33 mm in
groups 2 and 3, respectively. +ese two groups were not significantly different from the main model. Moreover, the mean distance
measured in the three impression techniques was similar. Conclusions. +ere was no significant difference in the measurements
between group 2, group 3, and the main model. +erefore, dentists can make an impression after 17 minutes to reduce chair time. |