What does 3D digital dentistry mean for you?
You don’t need to understand every piece of dental technology to benefit from it. At Greater Long Island Dental, digital tools help our dentists capture detailed information about your teeth, plan treatment on screen, and create certain restorations in the office.
Your treatment may include:
- Digital impressions instead of traditional putty molds
- 3D imaging for detailed treatment planning
- Chairside digital design
- Same-day CEREC crowns for appropriate cases
- Digital workflows that reduce the need for temporary restorations
The exact technology we use depends on your treatment and clinical needs.
How our digital dental workflow works
Step 1: We scan your teeth digitally
A handheld scanner creates a detailed digital model of your teeth and bite. For many patients, this replaces traditional tray-and-putty impressions and gives our team an immediate view of your mouth on screen.
Step 2: We plan your treatment on screen
Your dentist can use your digital scan and, when needed, 3D imaging to evaluate your teeth and plan treatment. Because the images appear on screen, your dentist can also show you what they see and explain the recommendation before treatment begins.
Step 3: We digitally design your restoration
For appropriate crown cases, your dentist designs your restoration using the CEREC digital workflow. The shape, fit, and bite can all be planned digitally before fabrication.
Step 4: We create your restoration in the office
Many CEREC crowns can be fabricated and placed during the same visit. That can eliminate the need to wear a temporary crown while an outside lab makes your final restoration.
Same-day crowns without the traditional two-visit process
A traditional crown often requires:
- Preparing the tooth
- Taking an impression
- Wearing a temporary crown
- Waiting for an outside lab
- Returning for a second appointment
For eligible cases, CEREC allows Greater Long Island Dental to combine many of those steps into one visit.
Your dentist can scan the prepared tooth, digitally design the crown, fabricate it in the office, and place it the same day. That means you may be able to leave with your final crown instead of a temporary.
Why patients choose digital dentistry
Fewer appointments
Some treatments that usually take multiple visits may be completed in one appointment with a same-day digital workflow.
No traditional impression trays
Digital scanners capture the shape of your teeth without the putty used in traditional impression trays.
Fewer temporary crowns
When a same-day crown is appropriate, you may not need a temporary restoration between dental visits.
Treatment you can see
Digital scans and imaging help your dentist show you what they see and explain your treatment plan on screen.
Digital from start to finish
Your scan can move through planning, design, and fabrication without repeatedly switching between physical and digital formats.
Digital dentistry led by an experienced CEREC dentist
Greater Long Island Dental doesn’t simply own digital equipment. The team has extensive experience incorporating CEREC technology into patient care.
Dr. Woltmann participates in the CEREC Doctors Mentor Group and has taught other dentists about digital dental workflows and single-visit treatment.
For patients, that experience means your same-day restoration is planned by a dentist who regularly works with the technology involved.
Digital dentistry for more than crowns
Digital scanning and 3D imaging can support several types of dental care. Depending on your needs, our dentists may use digital technology when planning:
- Dental crowns
- Veneers
- Dental implants
- Clear aligner treatment
- Root canal treatment
- Restorative procedures
The technology used depends on your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Can digital dentistry make dental visits more comfortable?
For many patients, yes.
Digital dentistry can remove some of the steps patients find inconvenient or uncomfortable, including traditional impressions, temporary crowns, and additional appointments.
If dental anxiety makes treatment difficult, Greater Long Island Dental also offers comfort options that may help you feel more relaxed during your visit.
Frequently asked questions about 3D printing and digital dentistry
Does Greater Long Island Dental use 3D dental technology?
Yes. Greater Long Island Dental uses digital scanning, 3D imaging, computer-guided treatment planning, and CEREC technology as part of its digital dental workflow. The specific tools used depend on the treatment you need.
Is CEREC the same thing as 3D printing?
Not exactly. Both are forms of digital fabrication, but they don’t necessarily create restorations the same way. CEREC restorations are commonly created through a computer-guided fabrication process using dental ceramic. Your dentist can explain which technology will be used for your specific restoration.
Can I get a dental crown in one visit?
Many patients can. If your case is appropriate for CEREC treatment, your dentist may be able to prepare, design, fabricate, and place your crown during the same appointment. Some cases may still require a dental laboratory or an additional visit.
Do digital scans replace dental impressions?
Digital scans can replace traditional putty impressions for many treatments. A handheld scanner captures a detailed digital model of your teeth that your dentist can use for planning and restorative design.
Does digital scanning hurt?
Digital scanning is noninvasive. Your dental team moves a small scanner around your teeth to capture images and build the digital model.
Does Greater Long Island Dental use digital technology for veneers?
Digital scanning and design can support veneer treatment. Whether your veneers can follow a same-day workflow depends on your individual treatment plan.
Who provides digital dentistry at Greater Long Island Dental?
Greater Long Island Dental’s dentists use the practice’s digital technology as part of treatment planning and restorative care. Dr. Woltmann also participates in the CEREC Doctors Mentor Group and teaches other dentists about CEREC and digital workflows.
How do I schedule a digital dentistry consultation in Massapequa?
You can book online or call Greater Long Island Dental at (516) 798-4223. If you’re interested in same-day crowns or another digital treatment, mention that when scheduling so the team can help plan the appropriate visit.
Find out if same-day digital dentistry is right for you
At Greater Long Island Dental in Massapequa, our team uses digital scanning, 3D imaging, and CEREC technology to plan treatment and provide same-day restorations when appropriate.
