Dental Tribune United Kingdom Edition

Digital Scanning and Impression Taking Whether it is the impression or the model that is scanned, some- where along the way many jobs that enter the dental laboratory become digital. These days it is possible to scan the preparation in the patient’s mouth together with the opposing teeth and bite registration and go straight to the digital phase. There are many advantages to taking digital impressions. Not only does it do away with the need for (and cost of) impres- sion materials but it also allows the dentist to check tooth prepa- ration immediately. Initially this can be a little bit scary (did my margins really look like that!) but the improvement that can be made is both considerable and very worthwhile. Once a preparation has been scanned the information can be sent electronically to the dental laboratory (e.g. Cerec connect) for construction or the dentist can utilise CADCAM technology themselves to design and mill the restoration. Such technol- ogy can allow the patient to have a custom restoration delivered while they wait. The applications of digital impressions are huge. Already they can be used in orthodon- tic systems (Invisalign amongst others) to plan tooth movements and provide virtual treatment objectives. In the restorative process it is possible to “mount” the scanned models on a virtual articulator, a digital wax up to be produced and provisional resto- rations to be milled and ready to place at the preparation appoint- ment. Perhaps one of the most ex- citing advances of the digital era is the combination of CADCAM and CBCT particularly in im- plant placement. The digital im- pression camera is used to scan the implant site and adjacent teeth. The software generates a virtual 3D model and the dentist can design the future implant crown. The 3D model with the implant crown is then superim- posed on the CBCT image. This allows the clinician to position the implant with reference to the planned prosthesis and the available bone structure. From this a stent can be milled to as- sist in precise positioning of the implant. Summary While conventional methods are not about to disappear over- night, digital technology offers many and significant advantages to both dentists and patients in convenience, accuracy and pro- ductivity. If nothing else, invest in a good quality digital camera de- signed for dental use and let your patients see what you see. You’ll be amazed at what you see and what your patients will ask for. The return on your invest- ment will be manifold. DT About the author As The Dawson Academy’s Clinical Director, Dr. Buckle lectures nation- ally and internationally on functional and aesthetic dentistry. He is involved directly with the hands on courses of the Core Curriculum, seminars, & study clubs and provides continuing education to dental professionals more recently across Europe. He spends approximately two-thirds of his time in practice and the other third as an educator. He believes this balance keeps him on the leading edge of both disciplines. Ian qualified from Liverpool University in 1985. He has over 20 years experience in general practice both in the Pri- vate sector and with the National Health Service. A member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (BACD), British Dental Association (BDA) and Association of Dental Implantology (ADI) he completes over 100 hours of postgraduate education every year and lectures nationally and inter- nationally on functional and aesthetic dentistry. Ian Buckle runs a Private Practice in the picturesque village of Thornton Hough on the Wirral concentrating on comprehensive reconstructive, aesthetic and implant dentistry. ‘If nothing else, invest in a good quality digital cam- era designed for dental use and let your patients see what you see. ’ 9FeatureNovember 19-25, 2012United Kingdom Edition