Digital Workflow
An integrated sequence of digital technologies—including intraoral scanning, virtual planning, and CAD/CAM fabrication—used to plan and deliver implant-supported restorations without traditional analogue impressions.
Full Definition
The digital workflow in implant dentistry encompasses all steps from diagnosis to prosthesis delivery using digital tools: cone-beam CT for bone assessment, intraoral or desktop scanning for soft-tissue and prosthetic data capture, virtual implant planning software, guided surgery, and computer-aided design and milling or 3D-printing of components. The fully digital workflow eliminates traditional polyvinyl siloxane impressions and plaster casts, reducing chairside time and material costs while improving accuracy. Editors should be aware that 'digital workflow' is an evolving umbrella term and should specify which stages are digital in a given manuscript; the term should not imply full automation without qualification.
Usage
Usage note: Specify whether the workflow is 'fully digital' or 'hybrid' (combining digital and analogue steps); avoid using 'digital workflow' as a synonym for CAD/CAM fabrication alone.
In Context
- "The clinic adopted a fully digital workflow, from intraoral scanning to milled zirconia abutment delivery, eliminating all analogue impression steps." — Practice technology white paper
- "The manuscript conflated 'digital workflow' with 'guided surgery,' prompting a terminology note from the editor." — Peer-review editorial comment