Intraoral scan Vienna — Digital impression explained – Institut für Implantologie

Intraoral scan: How digital impression works — and why it replaces the conventional impression in many situations.

Q: Is an intraoral scan more accurate than a conventional impression?

The accuracy of intraoral scans has been compared to conventional impressions in numerous studies. Current systems achieve accuracy of 10–50 µm in the single-tooth area. For large spans (full-arch scans), conventional impressions can still have advantages under certain conditions. However, the technology continues to develop constantly.

Q: Can an intraoral scan be used for implants?

Yes — intraoral scans are used for both planning and prosthetic restoration of implants. For surgical planning, scan data is often fused with CBCT data (data fusion) to obtain a complete three-dimensional representation.

Q: How long does an intraoral scan take?

A complete full-arch scan typically takes 5–15 minutes, depending on the clinical situation and the operator's experience. Single-tooth scans are much faster.

Q: Does the intraoral scan always replace the conventional impression?

In many clinical situations yes — but not in all. For certain indications (e.g., very deep subgingival preparation margins, severely restricted mouth opening), the conventional impression may still be indicated. The decision lies with the treating dentist.

The intraoral scan is one of the central tools of digital dentistry. In many clinical situations, it replaces the conventional impression with impression material — and is the foundation for the completely digital treatment workflow.

Scientific Classification

No Treatment Recommendation

10–50 µmAccuracy

No impressionMethod

STLExport format

Real-time3D model

No gag reflex from impression material

Particularly relevant for patients with strong gag reflex or limited jaw opening.

Immediate digital processing

Scan data can be transferred directly to CAD/CAM software or planning programs — without going through the laboratory.

Higher reproducibility

Digital scans are exactly reproducible. Errors from impression deformation or storage are eliminated.

Patient visualization

The scan can be shown to the patient directly on screen — as a starting point for treatment discussions.

Intraoral 3D scanner with digital tooth model in real-time Vienna – Institute for Implantology and Digital Dentistry Vienna — Intraoral scanner: Digital impression in real-time. The 3D model is created during scanning directly on the screen.

Qualitätsstandards des Instituts

Questions from Scientific Perspective

Is an intraoral scan more accurate than a conventional impression?

Can an intraoral scan be used for implants?

How long does an intraoral scan take?

Does the intraoral scan always replace the conventional impression?

Clinical Implementation

Intraoralscan bei Smile4Life

Der klinische Partner des Instituts, Smile4Life, führt die beschriebenen Behandlungen nach den Qualitätsstandards des Instituts durch.

Consultation at Smile4Life Digitale Zahnmedizin

Verwandte Themen

Für Patienten

Kurz erklärt

An intraoral scan replaces the conventional impression tray: A small camera scans your teeth and creates a precise 3D model in seconds. This is more comfortable, faster, and provides more accurate data for crowns, bridges, splints, or implant restorations.

Wann ist das relevant?

Your dentist is planning a crown, bridge, or implant
You have gag reflex with conventional impressions
You want to know if a digital impression is more accurate
You're curious about what happens with the 3D model

Passende Leitfäden

Patient guide

Implant – what you should know beforehand

Procedure page

How an implant treatment works

Patient guide

Intraoral scan explained: Digital impression for patients

Fragen für das Erstgespräch

Will you use a digital scan or conventional impression for my restoration?
Is the 3D model sent directly to the laboratory?
Can I see the 3D model of my teeth?
How accurate is the scan compared to the conventional impression?

Weiterführende Themen:Digital Implantology Prosthetics / Dental restorations

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