Oral scans are a significant advancement in modern dentistry, capturing detailed digital images of a patient’s mouth. This technology transforms how dentists diagnose and plan treatments, moving beyond traditional methods. They provide a comprehensive view of oral structures, facilitating precise and personalized dental care.
What is an Oral Scan?
Oral scans create accurate three-dimensional models of the mouth’s hard and soft tissues using digital imaging. This process replaces the need for traditional, often uncomfortable, physical impressions. Digital scanning offers advantages such as improved accuracy, greater efficiency, and enhanced patient comfort.
Two main types of oral scanning technologies exist. Intraoral optical scanners use a handheld device to project light, either structured light or a laser, onto the teeth and gums. This light captures thousands of images per second, which software stitches together to form a detailed 3D model without radiation. In contrast, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans use X-rays to create detailed 3D images of bone, teeth, and surrounding soft tissues, providing a comprehensive view of the patient’s anatomy. While intraoral scanners focus on surface details, CBCT provides insights into underlying structures.
When Are Oral Scans Used?
Oral scans are used in a variety of clinical scenarios, allowing dentists to diagnose conditions and plan treatments with enhanced precision. They are particularly useful for detecting conditions that might be difficult to see with traditional methods.
Dentists use these scans to diagnose issues such as cavities, gum disease, and impacted teeth by providing detailed visual information about the oral anatomy. Intraoral scanners can help identify early stages of caries and bacterial accumulation, aiding in early intervention. Scans are also routinely used for treatment planning across various procedures, including orthodontics for braces or clear aligners, dental implants to ensure optimal placement, and the fabrication of crowns, bridges, and veneers. The ability to visualize treatment outcomes allows patients to better understand their proposed care, leading to more informed decisions.
Your Oral Scan Experience
Undergoing an oral scan is a comfortable and non-invasive experience, differing from traditional impression methods. Patients find the process more pleasant, preferring digital scanning over conventional impressions due to reduced discomfort. No specific preparation is required for an oral scan, though patients may be asked to remove jewelry or eyeglasses for CBCT scans to prevent interference.
For an intraoral optical scan, a dental professional moves a small, handheld wand over the surfaces of your teeth and gums. This process is quick, taking two to three minutes for a full-arch scan. Patients appreciate the absence of unpleasant smells, tastes, or gag reflexes associated with traditional impression materials. CBCT scans, while involving minimal radiation, are also brief, lasting only a few minutes. After the scan, there are no specific post-scan considerations, and you can resume your normal activities immediately.
Understanding the Scan’s Insights
The data collected from an oral scan is transformed into detailed 3D models and images that provide dental professionals with extensive information. These digital models offer insights for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The precision of these scans allows for a thorough understanding of the patient’s oral anatomy and any existing conditions.
Dental professionals can manipulate these 3D models on a computer screen, allowing for detailed examination of teeth, bone density, root structures, and nerve pathways. This level of detail helps in identifying subtle issues, assessing proper bite alignment, and evaluating worn restorations. The insights gained lead to more effective and predictable outcomes, as dentists can design restorations that fit precisely or plan complex procedures like implant placement with greater accuracy. The digital nature of the data also facilitates seamless communication with dental laboratories, improving the overall efficiency of care.