One of the biggest recent triumphs in dental technology is the digital tooth scanner, a tool that is revolutionizing the way dentists diagnose and treat oral health issues. According to a recent review by Inside Dentistry, 57 percent of U.S. dentists have adopted this technology, and the percentage is only going to grow in the future.
The Hancock and Johnston Dentistry team in Lubbock have been utilizing scanner technology for close to a decade. We now proudly utilize the iTero Lumina scanner, which excels for both cosmetic and restorative procedures.
Super Accurate and Precise
Traditional methods simply can’t match digital teeth scanners. Intraoral scanners can capture a detailed 3D image of a patient’s teeth and gums with exceptional precision, leading to more effective diagnoses.
Our iTero scanner can capture a 3x larger area — a distance of 25mm — which helps with scans of challenging areas such as palates, and also gives a more detailed view of crowded and/or erupting teeth.
The ability to see a high-resolution, 3D model of the oral cavity means that dentists can spot cavities, fractures, and other issues earlier and more reliably than intraoral photos.
Improved Patient Experience
Uncomfortable procedures such as gag-inducing dental impressions often cause patients to put off dental appointments. In contrast, digital tooth scanners are a small, handheld device that quickly scans the mouth with no mess or unpleasant taste.
The wand in our office is 50 percent smaller than most and has an increased scanning speed to make the experience even more agreeable for adults and children alike.
On top of this, you are able to view your own scans and diagnosis with increased understanding.
Faster and More Efficient Treatment
The American Dental Association notes that digital tooth scanners significantly reduce the time needed to capture impressions, often completing the task in just a few minutes, and who among us doesn’t want to save time in our busy schedules?
The digital data collected can be transmitted instantly to dental labs, expediting the creation of Invisalign, crowns, bridges, and other dental appliances. This efficiency means that patients can receive their treatments faster and avoid less time suffering while waiting.
The scanner in our office is known for its precision, creating the means for a predictable restoration fit on the first try. This comes in handy for single-tooth crowns, with 90 percent of dentists using intraoral scanners for this very purpose.
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Our dentists’ digital tooth scanners offer numerous benefits, from enhanced diagnostic accuracy and improved patient comfort to faster treatment times and reduced environmental impact.
As technology continues to evolve, digital impression scanners’ integration into dental practices not only elevates the standard of care but also transforms the patient experience. That’s why it’s a great idea to choose Hancock and Johnston Dentistry for your next appointment. Meet our skilled team and find out why we are one of the leading practices on the South Plains!


