Digital impressions are currently revolutionizing the way dentists create dental restorations for patients. A digital impression is a virtual scan that creates a map of your teeth.
Digital impressions are currently revolutionizing the way dentists create dental restorations for patients. A digital impression is a virtual scan that creates a map of your teeth. By using lasers and other optical scanning devices, dentists can create a virtual, computer-generated model of the hard and soft tissues in the mouth. This digital model allows dentists to view patients’ teeth on a computer screen rather than using a mirror, taking a mold, or looking at an X-ray, which are the traditional methods. After an impression is taken, a dentist can immediately send the digital impression to a lab where dentures, crowns, bridges, and other restoration models can be made quickly and accurately.
A digital impression can be captured by a series of digital photographs or by a digital video. Both methods capture precise measurements in the mouth and send numerous small images that are immediately stitched together by the digital impression machine’s software to form a precise map of your mouth. Most of the time patients can view these images on a chair-side monitor.
First, you will want to isolate the tooth or teeth needed for restoration and apply the contrast medium if your scanner requires it. After lightly dusting the tooth/teeth with powder contrast, you will take a digital scan with your scanner of the affected area. This takes between 30 seconds and two minutes depending on how many teeth you need to capture. After taking the scans, it’s important to note the material, shade, and coloring needed for the restoration. Then, send your digital scans to the laboratory and wait for the restoration to be made.
Both dentists and dental assistants may undergo training to take digital impressions. It is imperative that staff members attend in-office training, hosted by the manufacturers of the various digital impression systems. Usually, the manufacturers will send trainees to your office for a few days to teach staff members how to install and use the equipment. Upon successful completion, the staff members will be certified to take and administer digital impressions. Additionally, manufacturers offer offsite training in designated locations should you wish to send members of your staff to outside training sessions.
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References:
https://keatingdentalarts.com/videos/how-to-take-digital-impression/
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