The Impact of Digital Impressions on Patient Satisfaction in Restorative Dentistry

Thesis Abstract

In restorative dentistry, the transition from traditional impression techniques to digital impressions has prompted a reassessment of patient-centered outcomes, particularly patient satisfaction, which is critical to treatment acceptance and overall success. Despite technological advancements, empirical evidence regarding the influence of digital impression techniques on patient satisfaction remains limited and inconclusive, often hindered by methodological variability and contextual differences. This study aims to systematically evaluate the impact of digital impressions on patient satisfaction levels and identify the contributing factors influencing patient perceptions within restorative dental procedures. The primary objective is to compare patient satisfaction between digital impression techniques and conventional impression methods. Secondary objectives include exploring patient demographic and clinical variables that may moderate satisfaction levels, as well as examining specific dimensions of satisfaction such as comfort, perception of accuracy, and overall experience. The research employs a quantitative, cross-sectional analytical design within a tertiary dental hospital setting, comprising a sample size of 300 adult patients who require fixed prosthodontic restorations such as crowns and bridges. Patients are equally divided into two groups one receiving digital impressions using an intraoral scanner (e.g., CEREC Omnicam) and the other receiving traditional polyvinyl siloxane impressions. Data collection instruments include a validated patient satisfaction questionnaire adapted from existing dental satisfaction scales, supplemented with Likert-scale items measuring comfort, perceived accuracy, time efficiency, and overall experience. Additionally, structured interviews are conducted to gain qualitative insights, which are later integrated through thematic analysis. Reliability of the questionnaire is confirmed via Cronbach’s alpha (expected >0.80), and validity is established through content validation by expert panels. The analysis employs descriptive statistics to summarize demographic data and satisfaction scores, while inferential statistics—including independent samples t-tests and chi-square tests—are utilized to compare satisfaction levels between groups. Multiple regression analysis is conducted to identify significant predictors of patient satisfaction, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s framework, is applied to qualitative interview data to elucidate underlying themes influencing patient perceptions. Expected findings suggest that digital impressions will be significantly associated with higher patient satisfaction scores compared to conventional techniques, particularly in dimensions related to comfort and perceived accuracy. Moreover, variables such as younger age, higher educational level, and absence of prior dental anxiety are anticipated to positively influence satisfaction with digital methods. The study also hypothesizes that patients perceive digital impressions as less invasive, more precise, and more time-efficient, which collectively enhance their overall experience. This research has the potential to contribute novel empirical evidence to the body of knowledge on patient-centered outcomes in digital dentistry, filling existing gaps by quantifying patient satisfaction and identifying key influencing factors. It advances understanding of the psychosocial dimensions of dental technology adoption and offers practical insights for clinicians to tailor patient communication and improve treatment acceptance. The main conclusion is that digital impression techniques positively influence patient satisfaction, which underscores their value in contemporary restorative practices. Based on the findings, recommendations include integrating digital impression protocols routinely into clinical workflows, emphasizing patient education about technological benefits, and further exploring longitudinal effects on treatment adherence and clinical outcomes. Future studies are suggested to investigate satisfaction over extended follow-up periods and across diverse patient populations to enhance the generalizability of these findings.