Digital Dental Impressions
If you needed a dental restoration like a crown ten or more years ago, it is likely that you have experienced creating an impression or mold of your teeth. Many dentists still use this method, putting dental cement in a form that the patient must bite down on to make impressions of their teeth. At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we no longer use this outdated method for dental impressions. We have invested in digital dental impression technology to improve the process of creating restoration for our patients.
Much of dental imaging is now moving toward digital options. Film x-rays have been replaced at our office with digital radiography for improved images, quicker results and less radiation exposure. There are similar advantages to using digital dental impressions. Advanced imaging can take a 3D digital picture of teeth that allows the dental lab to recreate the form without the need for a physical mold or impression of the teeth.
Benefits of a Digital Impression
The use of digital impressions for dental restorations offers many benefits for us and our patients. For us, digital impressions are quicker and more precise. We can create a digital image of teeth that can be sent directly to our dental lab in seconds instead of sending a mold through the mail. If changes need to be made, the turnaround time is cut down to hours instead of days through the digital workflow used. The digital information is more accurate for a better fit, requiring fewer alterations.
For patients, digital impressions are quicker, easier and more comfortable. The “goop” that is used for physical dental impressions is not pleasant, and many patients gag while holding the impression tray in their mouth. Digital dental impressions are much less invasive with no gagging. Patients can receive their dental restorations quicker, even the same day if they are receiving one of our CEREC dental crowns. Also, there are fewer visits needed to our office.
At Gilreath Family Dentistry, we respect our patients and want to offer them the best dental care options. With digital dental impressions, we can create dental restorations quicker and with more accuracy, resulting in better results for our patients.