Dentists and periodontists often require dental impressions for various purposes. These detailed molds of your teeth, gums, and mouth are essential for making crowns, bridges, full dentures, nightguards, or aligners. They’re also useful for monitoring the progress of teeth during orthodontic treatments.
For decades, taking traditional dental impressions has been a bulky and often uncomfortable process for patients.
However, MD Perio’s 3D Dental Scanner workflow has changed everything.
Traditional dental impression methods vs. modern digital technologies
Traditional dental impression materials consist of a putty-like material and plastic or metal trays. The putty material often has an unpleasant taste and can be uncomfortable for patients, especially those with sensitive gag reflux. The process can be messy, and while putty molds can be accurate, imperfections can occur.
Fortunately, new technology allows us to take dental impressions with a digital scanner. At MD Perio, we utilize a Primescan digital scanner as part of our Sirona digital workflow.
What is the Sirona digital workflow?
At MD Perio, we use the Sirona digital workflow, which includes the following:
- Intraoral digital surface scans using Primescan
- CBCT 3D dental and bone scans using Axeos CT scanner
- Primeprint design and in-office manufacturing of occlusal guards, surgical guides, and provisionals
The Dentsply Sirona Primescan digital workflow represents a state-of-the-art approach to dental technology, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and treatment precision through digital dentistry. This workflow integrates various cutting-edge tools and technologies, from initial scans to the final production of dental appliances, providing a seamless, efficient, and highly accurate dental treatment process.
Here’s how the workflow operates, incorporating intraoral digital surface scans, CBCT 3D dental and bone scans, and the design and in-office manufacturing of dental appliances:
1. Intraoral digital surface scans using Primescan
The process begins with digital surface scans of the mouth’s interior with the Primescan scanner. This advanced device captures highly detailed images of the patient’s oral cavity.
Unlike old dental putty, which must be held in place for over three minutes to get a proper impression, the Primescan can complete a full arch scan in under a minute. The smart pixel sensor processes more than one million 3D points per second, creating a photorealistic digital impression of the teeth and soft tissues.
2. CBCT 3D dental and bone scans using Axeos CT scanner
A Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scan using the Axeos CT scanner is performed following the intraoral scans. This provides a three-dimensional view of the oral and maxillofacial region’s dental structures, bone, and even soft tissues.
The CBCT scan offers critical insights into the patient’s anatomy, allowing for precise diagnosis and treatment planning. This includes evaluating bone density and structure, which is crucial for procedures such as implant placement.
3. Primeprint Design and in-office manufacturing of occlusal guards, surgical guides, and provisionals
The data from Primescan and the Axeos CT scanner are then integrated into a digital design platform. Here, customized dental appliances such as occlusal guards, surgical guides, and provisional restorations are designed to perfectly fit the patient’s unique anatomy.
Prime Print, a high-resolution 3D printing solution, is used to manufacture these designs directly in the dental office. The CEREC software creates high-resolution models that work with the in-house milling unit. With in-office access to both the Primemill CAD/CAM mill and 3D printing, your dental appliances can be manufactured with minimal waiting time.
The Primescan workflow allows for single-visit dentistry: scanning, manufacturing, and testing your dental appliances can all occur on the same day rather than sending your scans away to an external dental lab.
4. Delivery and treatment
The final step involves delivering these precisely engineered appliances to the patient. For instance, surgical guides produced through this workflow ensure the accurate placement of dental implants and abutments, while occlusal guards (custom nightguards) and provisional restorations are tailored for optimal fit and function.
What are the benefits of Primescan?
The cutting-edge Sirona digital workflow in our practice brings a myriad of benefits to both our dental professionals and patients:
- Eliminates the discomfort often associated with traditional impressions.
- Provides more accurate data than conventional impression methods.
- Better patient monitoring with a comprehensive view of the patient’s oral and maxillofacial anatomy.
- Providing the level of detail crucial for precise treatment planning and optimal outcomes.
- In-office manufacturing of dental appliances.
- Streamlining the treatment process and significantly reducing waiting times.
- Ensuring that each dental appliance is customized to the exact specifications of the patient’s anatomy.
- Easy disinfection options for patient health and safety.
- Improved ergonomic configuration to reduce strain on dental professionals.
These technologies represent our commitment to incorporating the latest advancements in dental care, providing our patients with superior accuracy, comfort, and efficiency in their treatment journey.
Choose MD Periodontics for your beautiful, healthy smile!
The husband-and-wife team of Dr. Abdy Moshrefi, DDS, and Dr. Nazanin Daneshmand, DDS, are two of the most trusted periodontists in Beverly Hills. Both are board-certified in periodontics and implantology; between them, they have nearly three decades of experience.
MD Periodontics is the premier periodontal facility for high-quality dental care and a wide range of dental services. Our two board-certified periodontists are backed by a highly qualified, dedicated, and professional staff, forming a team that offers skills earned from extensive experience coupled with top-of-the-line technology to provide you with the highest level of patient care and comfort.
With access to both Primescan and the 3Shape TRIOS scanner, our clinic has multiple ways of ensuring we get the most accurate dental images with maximum patient comfort.
Schedule a consultation online or call us at (310) 859-9449.
A spa-like atmosphere, staffed by a team who truly cares about your smile, awaits you! MD Periodontics is conveniently located for patients throughout the metropolitan Los Angeles area. Our board-certified periodontists and implant dentistry experts are available at locations in or near Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, West Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Sherman Oaks, and Encino.
