Clinical Applications of Intraoral Scanning in Removable Prosthodontics: A Literature Review

Purpose This review aimed to identify the reported intraoral scanning applications in fabricating different types of removable prostheses in the field of prosthodontics. Methods A comprehensive electronic search was performed using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases. This review included in vitro studies and clinical reports published between January 2013 and March 2021. The main keywords were as follows: intraoral scanning, digital impression, computerized digital impression, removable prosthesis, chairside computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacturing, digital complete denture, digital immediate complete denture, digital interim complete denture, digital removable partial denture, digital removable overdenture, digital obturator, digital occlusal splints, and digital maxillofacial prostheses. Results In total, 33 papers (22 clinical reports, 8 papers focused on dental techniques, and 3 clinical studies) were included in the final analysis. Conclusions The efficiency of using intraoral scanning in the field of removable prosthodontics was documented. However, there is a need for more clinical studies to identify intraoral scanning-usage protocols and to yield reliable and valid data.