THIS TIMESAVING TECHNOLOGY IS HERE TO STAY. LEARN HOW IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR PRACTICE.
Find out why Dean Vafiadis, DDS, believes that digital impressions:
• Save time for patients and make the dental appointment a better experience
• Reduce errors and increase productivity.
My experience with digital impressions began in 2009. I realized how much I liked making provisionals and that I was good at it. Because of all the time and work involved in creating traditional provisional restorations, it was almost heartbreaking to have to throw them out after they had served their purpose.
Then it dawned on me, I could fabricate crowns in-house with digital scanning and milling, making the whole process more efficient for my patients and my practice. I’ve used several systems and have now settled on 3Shape’s TRIOS, which offers speed and accuracy.
Time, Time, and More Time
On average, a traditional single-unit restoration takes between 60 and 90 minutes of chair time, from prep, to final impression, to insertion. In my office, we literally have that down to 45 minutes— half the time that a patient would be in the office 5 years ago. We’ve also eliminated re-dos, adjustments, and “sending back to the lab.” This is basically the result of the accuracy of the scanners, the printing technology, as well as the delivery of occlusion and bite registration, which dramatically reduces adjustments.
With digital impressions, fewer people have to handle a single-unit restoration, reducing errors and increasing productivity. My clinical staff is excited and the front desk staff has less work to do.
A Change of Perception
My patients see the difference between traditional dentistry and digital. They notice how much easier the process is and are thrilled with the elimination of the “gagging goop” of conventional impression material. Dentists and patients accepted this process for many years, but now there are better options. Patients know we are advanced and technologically prepared.
Find a Trusted, Reliable Resource
If you’re new to the world of digital impressions, it’s important to find a resource you can trust to steer you in the right direction. I recommend turning to your dental product distributor. They’ve seen the transition from traditional to digital impressions and will give you valuable advice about how to make digital impressions a part of your specific practice workflow, whether you’re a multi-provider practice or a solo practitioner.
Standard of Care
I predict real growth for digital impressions. I believe that within 7 years, digital technology and digital scanners will be automatic with every new practice and that approximately 60% of existing practices will have integrated it. I’m thrilled to have been at the beginning of this wave of adoption and to be able to teach my colleagues about the benefits for their practices and their patients. Digital impressions are here to stay.
