Master Digital Intraoral Scanning: The Ultimate Guide

Digital intraoral scanning is a game-changer in modern dentistry, enabling precise prosthetic fabrication, accurate occlusal analysis, and seamless implant planning. However, poor scan quality can lead to ill-fitting restorations, occlusal discrepancies, and increased remakes.

To achieve exceptional scan accuracy, it's essential to follow a systematic approach and implement the best scanning techniques. Below is a step-by-step guide to mastering digital intraoral scanning for optimal clinical outcomes.

🔹 1. Pre-Scan Preparation – Setting Up for Success

✔️ Patient Preparation

• Explain the scanning process to the patient to ensure cooperation and reduce movement.
• Control saliva, blood, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) as excessive moisture can interfere with scan accuracy.
• If scanning metallic restorations, consider using anti-glare spray or scanning powder to reduce reflection artifacts.

✔️ Scanner Preparation

• Check the scanner lens (optical window) for fogging or debris and clean if necessary.
• Ensure the scanning software is updated and that AI-driven optimization features are activated.
• Preheat the scanner to prevent fogging, which can occur when there is a temperature difference between the scanner and the intraoral environment.

🔹 2. Ideal Scanning Sequence – Systematic and Efficient

A well-structured scanning sequence prevents data gaps and minimizes scanning errors. While workflows may vary depending on the scanner and clinical case, the recommended sequence is as follows:

▶ Full-Arch Scanning Protocol

1️⃣ Start with the occlusal surfaces, followed by the lingual and buccal surfaces

• Maintaining a consistent scan flow minimizes overlap errors.
  2️⃣ Begin scanning from the posterior molars and move toward the anterior teeth
• Scanning larger, more stable structures first improves data alignment.
  3️⃣ Complete one arch (maxillary or mandibular) before moving to the opposing arch
  4️⃣ Capture the occlusion (bite registration) last
• Instruct the patient to bite naturally, then scan the left and right sides for 3–5 seconds each.

🔹 3. Advanced Techniques – Optimizing Scan Quality

📌 1. Maintain Proper Distance and Angle

• Ideal scanning distance: 5–15mm from the tooth surface for optimal focus.
• Avoid excessive tilt – the scanner should be as perpendicular as possible to the scanned surface.
• For sloped surfaces, a 30–45° tilt may be necessary to capture fine details.

📌 2. Smooth, Controlled Movements – Consistency is Key

• Avoid sudden stops and jerky movements, which can cause scan distortions.
• Move the scanner at a steady pace (5–10mm per second) to prevent missing data.
• Minimize back-and-forth motions—maintain a single, continuous scan path.

📌 3. Minimize Soft Tissue Interference

• Retract the lips, cheeks, and tongue adequately to prevent unwanted soft tissue artifacts.
• Ensure that the scanner only captures the necessary anatomical structures for a clean, accurate scan.
• Pay special attention to the lingual and buccal areas, where soft tissue can easily interfere with the scan.

📌 4. Live Monitoring & Rescanning for Accuracy

• Most intraoral scanners offer real-time preview modes—use this feature to detect errors immediately.
• If a scan is incomplete or inaccurate, rescan only the specific missing areas to avoid unnecessary data overlaps.
• After scanning, review the data alignment and ensure a complete scan before proceeding.

🔹 4. Special Considerations for Complex Cases

✔ Implant Scanning

• When scanning multiple implants, identical scan bodies can lead to misalignment issues.
• Capture additional angles and use distinctly shaped scan bodies when possible to enhance accuracy.

✔ Bridges & Crowns

• For long-span bridges, ensure that proximal and distal contact areas are fully captured.
• When scanning a crown prep, properly capture the margin by scanning from multiple angles.

✔ Metallic Restorations (Gold Crowns, Amalgam, etc.)

• To reduce glare and distortion, use a light dusting of scanning spray or powder.
• Adjust scanning angles to capture accurate reflection-free data.

✔ Pediatric or Small Oral Cavities

• Use a smaller scanner tip to improve accessibility.
• Prioritize efficiency—minimize scan time to enhance patient comfort.

🔹 5. Post-Scan Verification – Ensuring Data Accuracy

🟢 Final Scan Quality Checklist:
✅ Are all key anatomical structures clearly visible?
✅ Are interproximal contacts fully captured?
✅ Is there any overlay or distortion in the scan data?
✅ Is the occlusion properly registered?

💡 Leverage AI-based quality control features in scanning software for additional error detection.
💡 Rescan any missing areas immediately rather than relying on software-based extrapolation.

🏆 Conclusion: The Ultimate Intraoral Scanning Checklist

✔ Prepare the patient and control intraoral conditions (saliva, blood, reflections).
✔ Follow an optimized scanning sequence (posterior-to-anterior, occlusal-lingual-buccal order).
✔ Maintain a steady scanning pace, proper scanner distance, and minimize soft tissue interference.
✔ Use the correct scanning technique for implants, bridges, and metallic restorations.
✔ Thoroughly review the scan data before finalizing to avoid unnecessary remakes.

A precise intraoral scan enhances restoration accuracy, reduces chair time, and improves clinical outcomes. By implementing these best practices, you can master digital intraoral scanning and optimize your digital workflow!

💬 What scanning protocols do you use in your practice?
Try these expert tips and elevate your scanning precision! 🦷✨