What the scanner is used for
Anything that has to fit your teeth exactly starts with an impression. The scanner takes it digitally.
- Dental crowns for cracked, worn or root-canal-treated teeth
- Bridges that replace a missing tooth
- The tooth that sits on a dental implant
- Inlays and onlays, which are partial crowns
Will I get my crown in one visit?
No. Your crown is made from the scan by a local dental lab nearby, so you wear a temporary crown for a short time and come back to have the final one fitted. The scan makes that fit more accurate.
What a digital scan is like
- Drying. The teeth are dried so the camera sees them clearly.
- Scanning. The wand is moved slowly over your teeth. A 3D model builds up on the screen as it goes.
- Checking. Dr. Sayeed checks the model with you and rescans any spot he wants more detail on.
- To the lab. The file goes straight to the local dental lab that makes your restoration.
How long does a digital impression take?
About 2 to 5 minutes for a full scan. There is nothing to bite into and wait for while it sets.
Digital scan or putty impression?
Both record the shape of your teeth. The scan is easier on you and easier to check.
Digital scan
- A small wand, no trays
- Good for a strong gag reflex
- Checked on screen straight away
- Sent to the lab in minutes
Traditional putty
- A tray of paste held in your mouth
- Several minutes waiting for it to set
- Can need retaking if it distorts
- Posted or couriered to the lab
Does insurance cover digital scanning?
The scan is part of the cost of your crown, bridge or implant tooth, not a separate charge.
- Insurance: plans that cover a crown or bridge cover its impression, whether it is digital or putty. We check your benefits first.
- Spreading the cost: CareCredit and Cherry let you pay for crowns, bridges and implants over time.
Digital scanner questions
Patients come to us from Kingston, Port Ewen, Lake Katrine, Hurley, Saugerties, Rhinebeck and across Ulster County.
Does the CEREC scanner use radiation?
No. It uses light, like a camera. There is no radiation in a digital scan.
Is a digital scan uncomfortable?
Most people find it easy. The wand is small and doesn’t reach the back of your throat, which helps if you gag easily.
Is there an extra charge for digital scanning?
No. The scan is part of your crown, bridge or implant treatment.
Can I see the scan of my teeth?
Yes. The 3D model is on the screen beside you, and Dr. Sayeed uses it to explain your treatment.
