When we were kids, we’d sit cross-legged on living room floors, eyes wide and glued to the screen. We witnessed spaceships soar through galaxies and robots solve problems faster than any human could blink. Those movies gave us a glimpse into what felt like a distant, unreachable future. A future filled with inventions so extraordinary, we figured we’d never live to see them. Back then, the idea of machines mapping your body in three dimensions or computers building virtual models of your bones might as well have belonged on the moon. But here we are. Today, when planning your tooth replacement journey, those once-unimaginable innovations are no longer science fiction. Our 3D scanner captures detailed impressions without needing sticky molds, while CBCT scans provide crystal-clear images of your jaw, helping us plan precisely where your dental implants will go.
These tools don’t just elevate the level of care—they simplify the process and make every step more efficient, accurate, and comfortable. What once lived in stories of the future is now quietly shaping the way we rebuild smiles.
What Is a 3D Dental Scanner?
If you’ve ever had to bite down on a mouthful of thick, sticky material while trying not to gag, you know just how unpleasant traditional dental impressions can be. The tray gets filled with a gooey substance that feels like lumpy cake batter. Then, it’s pressed against your teeth until it firms up just enough to yank out. While it gets the job done, it’s hardly a comfortable experience.
Dr. Coolican now uses an intraoral scanner. This small, handheld device captures a digital impression of your mouth without the mess. Instead of relying on trays and putty, he gently moves a sleek wand around your teeth and gums. As a result, he captures thousands of images in seconds. These images are stitched together in real time to form a detailed 3D model of your mouth. Dr. Coolican sends your scans directly to skilled technicians, who use them to design your crown, bridge, or denture.
Because the scan is digital, Dr. Coolican can review and refine it on the spot—zooming in, checking details, and making adjustments in real time. This level of precision leads to dental work that fits better and feels more natural from the start. And since we handle everything digitally, we send your information directly to the lab, speeding up the process and reducing the chance of delays or do-overs.
Planning Your Treatment With CBCT Imaging
Before placing any restoration with a 3D dental scanner, Dr. Coolican carefully plans the first and most important step—implant placement. A dental implant is a small titanium post Dr. Coolican places into the jawbone to support your new tooth. The jaw contains nerves, blood vessels, and varying levels of bone density. Thoughtful planning helps ensure the implant is secure, safe, and well-positioned for the restoration that follows.
To support this process, Dr. Coolican uses a CBCT. A CBCT is a cone beam computed tomography scan that captures a detailed 3D image of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. Traditional X-rays offer only a flat view. On the other hand, CBCT technology builds a complete digital model of your mouth from multiple angles.
This scan gives Dr. Coolican precise insight into the shape and quality of your bone, and it maps out important anatomical features like nerves and sinus cavities. With this information, he can determine whether there’s enough bone to support an implant. He can also identify exactly where to place the implant for optimal support and comfort.
Technicians use the CBCT scan data to create a custom surgical guide, giving Dr. Coolican a precise roadmap for placing your implant.
When Precision Meets Simplicity: 3D Scanner and Mini Dental Implants
At Mint Mini Dental Implants, we believe that tooth replacement shouldn’t feel overwhelming. We focus on solutions that simplify your experience and make it more comfortable and precise from start to finish. Tools like the intraoral scanner and CBCT help us understand your unique anatomy and plan your care with exceptional accuracy. But advanced imaging is only part of the story.
Dr. Coolican pairs this technology with years of skill in placing mini dental implants—an option that’s changing the way patients think about implant dentistry. Unlike traditional implants, mini dental implants have a narrow, one-piece design. Their small size allows Dr. Coolican to place them using a less invasive approach, often without the need for incisions or sutures.
This gentle placement technique results in less discomfort during recovery and helps many patients return to normal activities faster. Patients with less bone volume can also benefit. Mini dental implants offer a stable, long-term solution without bone grafting. Mini dental implants make the tooth replacement process smoother for you and more predictable for us. They deliver results that feel natural and secure, and restore confidence in your smile.
Discover What Modern Implant Dentistry Can Do for You
The future of dentistry is here—and it’s designed with your comfort, confidence, and convenience in mind. With tools like the intraoral scanner, CBCT imaging, and the advanced placement of mini dental implants, Dr. Coolican offers a smarter, simpler way to restore your smile. If you’re ready to leave the past behind—the messy impressions, the long healing times, the uncertainty—schedule your free consultation today.
Want to learn more about the tools and technology we use to make your care easier? Follow Mint Mini Dental Implants on Facebook for a closer look.
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