Progress often brings to mind machines, software, and breakthroughs that make headlines. But real progress, the kind that lasts, is built with people in mind. It is not just about what medicine and technology can do. It is about how those tools are used to support the people who rely on them. The most meaningful innovations are not measured by complexity. They are measured by clarity, comfort, and connection. In healthcare, progress shows up when patients feel understood, not rushed. When technology makes care more accessible, not more intimidating. And when each step forward, such as a precise and comfortable 3D scan of your teeth, is guided by a simple question: does this make the experience better for the person in the chair? That is where true progress lives, in the details that help people feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for.
At Mint Mini Dental Implants, we use 3D scanning technology because we believe every patient deserves care that is precise, comfortable, and personalized.
What a 3D Scan Reveals About Your Teeth
A 3D scan, also known as an intraoral scan, is one of the most advanced tools Dr. Coolican utilizes. Instead of using old-fashioned trays filled with messy impression material, he uses a small handheld device. This device creates a highly accurate digital model of your teeth and gums.
As Dr. Coolican moves the scanner’s wand around your mouth, it projects a pattern of light onto your teeth and gums. The light bounces off the unique shapes and textures of your smile. Tiny cameras and sensors inside the device capture how the light reflects and bends. These details are recorded instantly to create an accurate image of your mouth. The scanner captures thousands of high-resolution images every second from all angles, and specialized software combines them in real-time. On the screen, you can see a detailed 3D model of your teeth, gums, and bite, showing even the smallest contours, spaces, and edges.
This scan provides Dr. Coolican with an incredibly accurate view of your mouth, causing no discomfort. He can see how your teeth meet, how your gums frame your smile, and where any adjustments might be needed. The digital model then guides the design of your treatment, whether he is crafting a crown, a bridge, or stabilizing a denture.
By working digitally from start to finish, Dr. Coolican ensures your restoration fits precisely, feels natural, and is ready faster than traditional methods allow.
Combining a 3D Teeth Scan With CBCT for Implant Placement
A CBCT machine, or Cone Beam Computed Tomography, is a specialized type of X-ray that provides Dr. Coolican with a detailed 3D view of your mouth. It rotates around your head, capturing clear images of your teeth, jawbone, soft tissues, and nerves. This scan reveals the quality and quantity of bone at the implant site. As a result, it allows Dr. Coolican to visualize important structures, such as nerves and sinus cavities. With this information, he can determine whether the bone is strong enough for an implant or if bone grafting may be necessary beforehand.
The CBCT also maps the exact position of nerves and sinuses. This helps Dr. Coolican place the dental implant safely, avoiding damage to sensitive areas and reducing the risk of complications. From the scan, he can pinpoint the best location, depth, and angle for the implant to support long-term success.
He then combines the CBCT data with the 3D scan from the intraoral scanner. The intraoral scan captures the surface details of your teeth and gums, while the CBCT provides the internal view of your bone and nerves. Together, these two scans create a complete digital model of your mouth.
This model allows Dr. Coolican to plan your implant placement virtually before surgery. He can see exactly where the implant should be placed for optimal function and appearance. Using this plan, he can also create a custom surgical guide to ensure precise placement during the procedure. This approach enhances accuracy, reduces risks, and enables the delivery of predictable, long-lasting results.
See How Technology and Compassion Come Together
Experience the confidence that comes from care designed with you in mind. At Mint Mini Dental Implants, Dr. Coolican combines advanced technology with a personal touch to deliver precise, comfortable, and lasting results. Schedule your free consultation today and discover what thoughtful, modern dentistry can do for your smile.
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