Exogrammetry: A novel concept for extraoral relocation of scanning references in digital implant dentistry

Abstract

Background: Complete-arch implant-position acquisition remains sensitive to large edentulous spans, interrupted reference surfaces, soft-tissue interference, and restricted posterior access. Various scanbody, auxiliary geometric, and photogrammetric approaches address these difficulties by different measurement principles. Objective: To introduce and define exogrammetry as a proposed scientific term for the extraoral relocation of recognizable implant-linked scanning references and to explain its technical rationale, potential applications, and limitations. Concept: Exogrammetry is defined here as a surface-acquisition and digital-library recognition approach in which a known scan-reference geometry is physically displaced from its intraoral connection to an extraoral acquisition field while its geometric relationship with the implant or multi-unit abutment is preserved. Unlike dedicated marker-based photogrammetry, the position transfer is not derived from optical-marker coordinate reconstruction. Potential benefits include improved scanner accessibility, concentration of recognizable surfaces, and reduced reliance on long intraoral acquisition paths. Conclusions: Exogrammetry is proposed as an openly usable scientific descriptor.