Digital processes allow the doctor to perform tasks in a much simpler and convenient way, and to have work parameters strictly controlled by a 100% digital process. The files circulate on the network from the mouth scan of a patient in the clinic to the laboratory and milling center. The single file is manipulated only when the professionals supervising the end result of each step have to confirm it is optimal for our patient. The entire process is controlled with software designed specifically to yield maximum precision and avoid mistakes, in addition to incorporating a simple and intuitive system of internal communications. The data are thus transmitted through various agents in a very convenient way.
This process can sometimes seem complicated, but if you have the chance to examine it from beginning to end, many of your doubts disappear. This type of experience is takes place in a laboratory in Manresa, Dentek Lab, which holds a day session for doctors interested in the digital world.
“Being able to spend a day with physicians, laboratories, and industry representatives is very rewarding because it gives you lots of ideas and you can and learn many things. The most interesting part of this day was to examine the closed circuit of a process in which we participated. We also saw new technologies that we can use in the near future. This goes very quickly” – Dr. Sergi Pedemonte
The session was divided according to the entire process;
It began in the clinic where we scanned a patient. The 3Shape TRIOS iPOD intraoral scanner was used to obtain a 3D model of the patient’s mouth. An .stl file was sent to the laboratory using the scanner software.
The next process takes place in the dental laboratory where piece to be restored is designed on the 3D file sent by the doctor. The software used in this case is the 3Shape Dental Designer, which allows you to give the piece or pieces to restore the natural shape of the patient’s tooth.
The day ended at the milling center, by analyzing the outcome of work using the file sent by the laboratory. The same .stl file is sent via the same internal system (3Shape Communicate) and it is received at job reception of the milling center, where the complex processes that ensure the passivity and optimal results of the milling work are carried out. Once we have the final piece, it is returned to the laboratory for aesthetic finishing.
“The digital work day has been very productive. We saw every step in the preparation of a prosthesis on implants from taking the impression with the intraoral scanner, designing the structure, and finally milling the piece. Digital dentistry has definitely arrived.” – Dr. Ivan Mendoza
The advantage of these sessions is that in a few hours you have a complete picture of how the “Digital Workflow” operates because you have experienced the process first hand. The doctors who attended the course could exchange opinions, ask questions, and more, and the final conclusion was very satisfactory.
