Our office recently tested out a new 3D camera/scanner. We had a lunch and learn meeting with the scanner’s salesman where we learned about the benefits and potential of the machine. We were able to test it out on each other and get a good feel for the product. It wasn’t a difficult decision to purchase the equipment. The scanner just arrived a few weeks ago and we’ve already been putting it to good use!
How will this scanner help us help you?
By digitally scanning our patients, we are able to create a baseline from which we will be able to monitor many different concerns. For instance, we will be able to monitor the entire structure of a patient’s mouth. If a person grinds their teeth, we can monitor and track the wear on the teeth to fractions of millimeters. The software will even highlight the differences between each scan a patient has with our office. If a patient suffers from periodontal issues, we will be able to track the pockets and receding gum tissue. When a patient sees regression on the results of their at-home periodontal care, it will be a lot easier to guide them toward the appropriate care and areas that require more attention. When there is progress with their at-home perio care, we will be able to celebrate their accomplishments with them – in vivid color! Visual aids are always helpful with patient care and treatment understanding.
This scanner also helps us continue to eliminate the gooey impression material for most procedures. We can take digital impressions to send to dental labs for splints, crowns, bridges, surgical guides, Invisalign and more. We can also send those same scans to our own CEREC and 3D printer to create crowns, bridges, splints, implants, surgical guides, study models, and more. I feel the possibilities are endless!
The actual time it takes to retrieve the full mouth scan is minimal – only about two minutes. In that short time, we gain so much valuable information. The process is simple – we move this wand over your teeth while the scanner takes thousands of photos and binds them together to form one, big image. It is taking precise measurements and acquiring exact data about your teeth, much more accurate than the old, gooey impressions could.
Have you ever taken a visual tour of your entire mouth? It’s pretty amazing to see new views your teeth and in color! We can even stop and take individual photos of teeth, which we could send to insurance companies or use as before and after photos. Again, the possibilities are endless!
A digital scan, kept on file, can be reused for multiple purposes. Perhaps we scanned you in May for a baseline scan. In August you find you need a splint to help cure nighttime clenching. We can use the same scan. In October, you break a tooth and need a crown. Yes, we can use the same scan.
So, will this service cost you more?
Nope! This is simply another tool we will use to better diagnose, track and aid in our patients’ treatment. We demand the best for our patients. If we can make your time at our office more efficient, comfortable or more economical, we will do it. If we can help you understand your diagnosis or treatment better, we will do it. Providing you with the best dental care available is at the core of every one of our decisions. Insist on the best! You are worth it!
Written and submitted by Stephanie Jugovich, staff member at Pike Lake Dental Center