Protocol for Indirect Restoration Intraoral Scanning Under Dental Dam Isolation: A Dental Technique

Abstract

This paper aims to describe an intraoral scanning protocol for indirect restorations utilizing dental dam isolation. This technique consists of the initial scan of both arches and their occlusion. Then, after necessary dental preparation is performed under isolation with a dental dam, intraoral scanning of preparations is performed, maintaining the dental dam in place. The proposed protocol shortens the operative time minimizing clinical factors that can affect the scan accuracy and maximizing preparation margins' visibility, ensuring a stress‐free environment. This method can be applied for chair‐side dentistry and conventional workflow for sending scans to the laboratory technician.

Is scanning under rubber dam isolation a feasible approach for the execution of indirect restorations?

“…Another significant point closely related to the quality of image acquisition during scanning is moisture reduction, as the presence of moisture leads to light reflection during data acquisition, resulting in distorted impressions and the need for rescanning and successive mesh overlays under the same prior working conditions [25]. The possibility of gingival retraction, saliva isolation, blood control, and tongue positioning create ideal scenarios for satisfactory intraoral digitization [26].…”