Will Digital Impression Technology Give You a Better-Fitting Restoration?

It doesn’t take long to be suffering through a toothache before you are dying to fix the problem and have a healthy tooth once again. Your dentist mentioned you will require a custom dental crown after your root canal, and for the best result, that means having digital impressions of your mouth taken. Why is ensuring a precise fit for your restoration so crucial? What’s the problem with traditional impressions? And why are digital impressions the answer when quality is prioritized? Keep reading to learn about digital impression technology from your dentist in Jacksonville.

Why Is the Precise Fit of Your Restoration Critical?

Before giving it much thought, the fit may not seem like a huge deal. Dental crowns can look pretty similar to the untrained eye, but a person’s tooth is unique like a snowflake. The curvature and shape of your teeth fit together to create your bite, which is different from anyone else’s. If you need a dental crown, for example, it has to fit perfectly, not only regarding adjacent teeth within the same arch but also with the ones it contacts when you bite down.

If you have a restoration that doesn’t fit your one-of-a-kind mouth, it can lead to several issues. For instance, your bite may come out of alignment, altering how you eat and potentially leading to jaw pain. This change can also cause significant enamel wear which means you need more restorations in the future.

What’s the Problem with Traditional Impressions?

Although it is certainly possible for traditional impressions to result in a properly fitting restoration, the process can go wrong on multiple fronts. First, the dental assistant must hold the impression tray in place perfectly still for a few minutes to capture an accurate cast of your teeth. Even with a steady hand, there is room for error! One false move could create a mold that doesn’t truly reflect your teeth.

Second, traditional impressions are often uncomfortable for patients due to the goopy putty. In fact, many people gag which makes it more difficult to keep the molds in place while the putty sets. Unfortunately, these errors often don’t show up until the impressions are sent to the lab, at which point you’ll have to return to the dentist’s office to get them taken again.

How Are Digital Impressions Superior?

Unlike the traditional method, digital impressions let technology do the heavy lifting. A small device is inserted into the mouth and digitally captures all the information needed to create a perfect mold of your teeth. Within minutes, a 3D model of your teeth can be viewed on a screen, ensuring that the impressions are accurate. As a result, the lab can fabricate a natural-looking restoration for your smile.

If you have the good fortune to work with a dentist in Jacksonville who utilizes digital impression technology in their practice, know that your restoration is much more likely to fit properly, saving you valuable time and giving you a great grin once again!

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Johnson earned his dental doctorate from the University of Colorado. He is now pursuing his Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and is a self-proclaimed “dental nerd.” Dr. Johnson’s wife, Rose, is also a dentist. If you need a crown, bridge, dentures, or veneers, Dr. Johnson will use digital impressions to ensure that you get the optimal restoration you seek. Schedule an appointment on his website or by calling (904) 895-4536.