DOCTOR · CLINICAL GUIDE
Troubleshooting scans
A quick good versus bad guide to the faults that get records rejected, and how to catch each one at the chair rather than after it has been sent to the lab. Inspect every record before you send it.
SCAN FAULTS
Common scan faults
On a digital scan, watch for holes in the scan, missing anatomy or 8s not captured, debris attached to anatomy, too little gingival tissue captured, an inaccurate or non-habitual bite, and deformation from a poor scan sequence.
How to avoid
- Make sure all anatomy is visible, with no holes or gaps in the scan: every tooth surface, including the distal surfaces of the last molars, and at least half of the 8s if they are visible
- Capture 2 to 4mm of gingival tissue beyond the gingival margin, on the buccal side and the lingual/palatal side
- If debris, cheek, tongue or fingers are picked up on the anatomy, delete the affected data and rescan that area following your scanner’s workflow. If the scan can no longer be aligned accurately, rescan in full
- Record the patient’s normal bite in maximum intercuspation, where their teeth naturally fit together. Do not ask them to push their jaw forward. If their natural bite is edge-to-edge, record it as it is
- Before sending, check that the digital bite matches the patient’s clinical bite on both sides, and follow a guided scan sequence
What gets it rejected
- Holes in the scan, or missing anatomy and uncaptured 8s
- Debris attached to anatomy, which means a rescan
- An inaccurate or non-habitual bite, or deformation from a poor scan sequence
Before you send a record
Please check every record before you send it to avoid repeat appointments, treatment delays and additional costs.
Send scan submissions to submissions@smileclublab.co.za.