Background:
Traditional implant impressions, using physical materials, are evolving with intraoral scanning technology. Optical impressions eliminate discomfort, offering precision and detail for clinicians, marking a paradigm shift in dental impressions

Aim of the study:
The primary aim of this clinical investigation was to gauge patients' perceptions regarding the distinctions between two dental impression techniques (intraoral scanning) and conventional methods (open tray technique) when applied to posterior implant restorations. The secondary objective was to analyze the time differences associated with the implementation of these two procedures.

Material and methods:
Twenty patients (10 males, 10 females) new to conventional or digital impression taking participated in this study. They received 20 implants (Neodont bone level) in the non-aesthetic zone in the dental department of Farhat Hached Hospital in Sousse-Tunisia. Traditional pick-up impressions or Open tray Impression are made using polyvinylsiloxane impression material. After two weeks, a digital impression is taken using an intraoral scanner. Immediately after impressions were made, patients' attitudes, preferences, and perceptions of the implant impression technique were assessed using a standardized questionnaire with a visual analogue scale.The time involved following these two procedures was also recorded in seconds. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 21, and p < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:
There were significant differences among the groups (p < 0.05) in terms of total working time and processing steps. Patients stated that digital impressions were more comfortable than conventional techniques.

Conclusions:
Digital impressions resulted in a more time-efficient technique than conventional impressions. Patients preferred the digital impression technique rather than conventional techniques.