Scan bodies, or digital impression posts, represent the exact implant location during an intra-oral scan. They are necessary for digital fabrication of implant prosthetics. The physical scan body is screwed to the implant in the mouth, or to the analog in a model, scanned and digitized, and then then identified by software to indicate a specific implant in a specific position. Clinically, this is accomplished by utilizing an intra-oral scanner.
Important rules to follow on scan body cases:
- When sending the case, must indicate where the scan bodies were purchased and the specific implant brand and size for every site. This is very important when ordering, as often the lab cannot visually identify the scan body.
- When setting up the IOS scanner to scan, it is important to discuss the latest methods with the scanner company. Some scanners allow the user to remove the healing collar, scan the sulcus, then place the scan body to continue scanning. Some systems, Cerec, require too much information and a closed format, if you indicate that you are scanning for implants. Best practice is to scan as a crown or splint and submit through sirona.com.
- Ensure that the correct scan body is being used in the correct implant. Platform size is key to many scan body use and success.
Scan bodies are not all the same, in fact they are all different. Scan bodies are manufactured by many OEM implant companies as well as by laboratories, 3rd party manufactures, software companies and others. It if very important to know where the scan body came from, what exact implant it is compatible with, and most importantly, can the vendor to whom you are sending work with it. Contact ROE when you have questions on scan bodies. We’ve been providing digital prosthetics from them since 2004.
Scan bodies available from ROE:
As an FDA registered laboratory, we provide FDA 510(k) cleared custom abutments for most implant systems on the market. All popular systems are available using our scan bodies and can be purchased by calling our customer service.
