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Case Preparation - Step 6 - Chairside Prep Evaluation with Intraoral Scanner


Intraoral scans of your patient are required. The intraoral scans must be uploaded to the patient case file on the DSD website.


If you use an iTero, Trios or Sirona intraoral scanner, you can send the scans to DSD directly. Please check with the IOS manufacturer on how to activate our lab in your scanner. It’s highly recommended that you trace your preparation margins using the scanner feature to identify them. Each of the three IOS systems mentioned above allows for this to be performed.

For reference, the DSD Lab identification numbers for the different IOS are:

  • iTero: 21653
  • Trios: 3dtech@digitalsmiledesign.com or DSD PLANNING CENTER
  • Sirona Connect: DSD Planning Center

Scanning sequence and use of retraction cord:

  1. After performing the preparation, we require a scan of the prepped arch WITHOUT retraction cord for our lab to be able to have a clear view of the state of the soft tissue. This will guide us to the realistic limit of the papilla and cervical contour.
  2. A second scan of the prepped arch WITH retraction cords. The Double Cord technique is strongly recommended for subgingival preps (exact same protocol used for analog impression, leaving the second cord for 5 to 10 min, then removing it and scanning the teeth with the first cord in place). 
  3. Opposing arch scan
  4. Bite registration (Some IOS systems generate a third file from the bite. If your system generates this file, please send it as well).
  5. Mark the preparation margins in your intraoral scanner software. This is not mandatory but highly recommended.
  6. For the immediate Provisional, we strongly suggest that you use the Upper/Lower Post Design Model. If any direct adjustments are made to the provisional, please scan as well and send to us so that we can take it into consideration for the final Natural Restorations design.
  7. All scans must capture the PALATE and the maximum amount of the soft tissue as possible.