Understanding the Sirona Scanner: Revolutionizing Dental Care
Are you ready for a faster, new dental treatment option? In this article, we’ll explain what a Sirona scanner is, how it works, and the benefits it offers for dental procedures.
What Is a Sirona Scanner?
A Sirona scanner, specifically the CEREC scanner by Sirona Dental Systems, creates digital impressions of a patient’s teeth. Therefore, dentists widely use it in restorative dentistry to design and produce dental restorations like crowns, bridges, and veneers.
How It Works
- Intraoral Camera: The Sirona scanner uses a small, handheld intraoral camera to capture detailed 3D images of your teeth and gums. The camera scans the teeth, taking multiple images from different angles to create a precise digital model.
- Design: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software captures the images in 3 dimensions. Then, the Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) unit, mills the restoration from a solid block of ceramic or other materials.
Benefits of Using a Sirona Scanner for Dental Procedures
- Better-Fitting Restorations: The digital impressions are highly accurate, leading to better-fitting restorations compared to traditional molds. This precision reduces the need for adjustments and remakes.
- No Mess: Digital scanning is more comfortable for patients, as it eliminates the need for messy and uncomfortable impression materials. The process is quick and non-invasive, making it easier for patients to undergo.
- Same-Day Dentistry: The entire process, from scanning to milling the restoration, can often be completed in a single visit, thus reducing your number of appointments and the overall treatment time.
- Visual Models: Patients can see the visual models, allowing for better understanding and communication about the treatment plan. Dentists can also share the digital models with dental laboratories for additional customization if needed.
- Durable Materials: The materials used for restorations with the Sirona scanner are durable and designed to closely match the natural appearance of teeth. This results in restorations that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What to Expect During the Procedure
- Tooth Preparation: The dentist prepares the tooth for restoration by removing any decay or old fillings.
- Shaping: The tooth is then shaped to accommodate the new restoration.
- Capturing the Impression: The intraoral camera captures the digital impression of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth.
- Designing the Restoration: The digital model designs the restoration using CAD software.
- Milling: The design is sent to the CAM unit, which mills the restoration from a ceramic block in about 15-20 minutes.
- Fitting: The dentist checks the fit and makes any necessary adjustments.
- Bonding: Once satisfied with the fit, the restoration is bonded to the tooth.
FAQs
What is the Sirona Scanner?
A Sirona scanner creates digital impressions of a patient’s teeth and designs dental restorations such as crowns, bridges, and veneers.
How does a scanner work?
An intraoral camera captures 3D images of the teeth which sends the images to CAD software to design the restoration. Next, the CAM unit mills the restoration from a ceramic block.
What are the benefits of using this for dental procedures?
The benefits include high accuracy and precision, improved patient comfort, efficiency with same-day dentistry, enhanced communication between patient and dentist, and durable, aesthetically pleasing restorations.
How long does the Sirona scanning process take?
The scanning process typically takes a few minutes. The entire procedure, from scanning to placing the restoration is done in one visit, or about 15-20 minutes.
Is the Sirona scanner procedure comfortable?
Yes, the procedure is more comfortable compared to traditional impression methods, as it is quick, non-invasive, and does not require messy impression materials.
With the capabilities and advantages of the Sirona scanner, you make real-time decisions about your dental treatment and experience the benefits of this advanced technology. Call Dr Salman Dental today to schedule your appointment and take advantage of this cutting edge technology.