June 30, 2021

A collaborative approach with your Dental Lab for accurate, consistent and swift results.

Regardless of where you are at with digital technology in the office, if you are placing implants, you are at at least getting a CT scan done most of the time.

So where do we fit in with regards to pre-planning and improving efficiency  ?

Our Lab uses 3Shape software and hardware for our digital workflows. 3Shape implant studio facilitates ‘ Prosthetic Driven Implant Planning ‘.

This image demonstrates the concept of meshing the surface scan and CT scan together and planning placement from the crown down. It gives us the ability to plan and review the case with you.
Once  a final design and placement is approved, we can provide a surgical guide, custom temporary abutment or custom provisional.

(Surgical guides can be tooth supported, mucosal or bone supported )

Now I just want to pause here and mention that we do understand that guided surgery is not for every case, patient scenario or doctor. However, some of the other aspects of the treatment plan post implant placement, like providing  custom provisionals may be useful. And perhaps none of this appeals to you. 
That’s ok.

A digital workflow does not require you to be fully digital in your office setting. It is no problem to combine analog with digital.   Therefore, you can rely on the lab software and hardware to assist by scanning a vinyl impression or stone model into the pre planning and design software. This will work with a single unit restoration, to fully edentulous cases. Also, any file can be imported to 3Shape’s completely open digital communication, so you can even borrow your buddy’s scanner if you want to ! No matter what type of workflow works best for you or you are more comfortable with, neither produces a more superior result. Analog and digital are proving more and more similar end results. From the lab’s perspective though, it is so much easier to make adjustments digitally than going back and forth with hard copies and couriers. It is also more efficient to be able to make any necessary changes along the way with a digital file. A huge time and money saver for everyone involved. Especially the patient! If you have any implant planning questions feel free to contact John at the lab. Thank you to Justin Lee from 3Shape for your input. Written by Roberta Bertram CDA Reviewed by John Zahel RDT