Intraoral Scanning: Steps for Improving Digital Implant Scans

The scan body is used to determine the accurate orientation and position of the dental implants. These components are screwed into the implant fixture. With the scan bodies in place, the patient’s mouth can then be scanned with the intraoral scanner. The scan body is specific to the brand of implant that is being used. They function similarly to an impression coping used in traditional implant cases.

There are two options when selecting scan bodies.

The first is to choose scan bodies from a major implant manufacturer. This option can usually be expected to be at a higher price point and take more time.

The second option, which has been very successful at Burbank Dental Lab, is to use scan bodies from 3rd party manufacturers. Companies like Medentika and Dess support most implant platforms. This option provides precision parts that offer a lower price point and faster turnaround times.

After the tissue is completely healed and the patient is ready for the final restoration, the scan body must be placed.

To get the best restorative outcome, the adjacent teeth should be evaluated to ensure that there are broad proximal contacts to avoid black triangles and food impaction.

The key is to achieve an ideal path of insertion for the final restoration. Any needed adjustments to the adjacent teeth should be made prior to scanning the area.

It is imperative that the scan body be completely seated. Once the scan body is placed, it should be checked with a radiograph to ensure proper placement. This scan will result in a final abutment and restoration.

Check that the scan body is placed correctly, or the final prosthesis will be inaccurate.

It is necessary to scan the implant site when the scan body is in place.

However, when scanning the arch, the scan body can be removed and replaced with a provisional or healing abutment.

To achieve the best scan, do the following:

• Completely dry the soft and hard-tissue surface
• Include the scan body, adjacent dentition, contacts, occlusion, and the surrounding soft tissue in the scan.
• The scans should be done at a slow and thorough pace to ensure accuracy in the final output.

At this point, the scan body should already be removed and replaced with either a provisional or healing abutment.

The patient should be directed to bite down to achieve maximum intercuspal positioning.

Scan and capture the bite.

Select the scanner’s model mode when evaluating the data. This will allow for better visualization of the scan data.

Now, look for any issues with the scans, such as distortions in the scan body, missing tissue, or saliva contamination. A grainy-looking scan is usually the result of improperly drying the hard and soft tissue prior to scanning.