Digital dentistry is continuously evolving, bringing precision and efficiency to the forefront of dental care. One such advancement is the use of scan body and Artificial Intelligence (AI) matching in the design and implementation of dental implants. This blog post offers a detailed exploration of these technologies, shedding light on their functionalities and benefits in modern dental practices.
Understanding Scan Body in Digital Dentistry
Scan bodies are pivotal tools in digital dentistry, designed to capture accurate digital impressions of a patient’s oral structures. These small yet sophisticated devices are engineered to replicate the exact location of dental implants from the patient’s mouth to the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) of the crown.
Made from biocompatible materials such as PEEK (polyetheretherketone), titanium, or zirconia, scan bodies ensure compatibility and safety in dental treatments. Choosing the right scan body is critical and must be matched to the specific dental implant being used. Dental professionals should consult with their implant dealers to select the appropriate product, ensuring a seamless integration between scan bodies and the implant.
The Scan Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of scanning with a scan body is methodical and aims to minimize gum deformation, starting with the antagonist scan:
- Antagonist Scan: Begin by scanning the opposing arch to the one receiving the implant.
- Implanted Arch Scan: Remove the healing abutment and scan the arch where the implant has been placed.
- Occlusion Scan: With the healing abutment removed, have the patient bite down to scan the occlusion.
- Scan Body Placement and Scan: Insert the scan body into the implant site and scan it, focusing on capturing the adjacent teeth for context.
This sequence is designed to ensure the most accurate representation of the patient’s oral structures, crucial for the subsequent design and fitting of the implant crown.
Leveraging AI for Precision: Scan Body Scan & AI Matching
The integration of AI in the scan process significantly enhances the accuracy and ease of capturing implant details. AI Scan Body Matching is particularly beneficial in challenging cases, such as those with narrow implant areas or metal scan bodies. The technology enables the precise reproduction of the implant’s location and angulation by scanning and overlapping the data from the scan body library with the actual scanned image.
The process involves:
- Creating a New Case: Log into your Medit Link account and register a new case with the relevant information.
- Scanning: Following the scanning sequence mentioned above, the implant site and occlusion are scanned along with the scan body.
- AI Matching: Utilize the AI Scan Body Matching feature to select the specific teeth and product from the library. The system then automatically aligns and overlaps the CAD-constructed scan body with the scanned image.
- Finalization: Complete the scan and check the quality in the file viewer tab. The aligned scan body can then be exported in various formats (OBJ, PLY, STL) for further processing or fabrication.
The Future of Implant Dentistry
The integration of scan bodies and AI matching in dental implantology represents a significant leap towards more precise, efficient, and personalized dental care. By embracing these digital advancements, dental professionals can enhance the accuracy of implant placements, ensuring better outcomes for their patients. As digital dentistry continues to evolve, tools like scan bodies and AI matching stand at the forefront of this transformation, promising a future where dental care is more aligned with the needs and expectations of patients worldwide.
