Intraoral Scan
What is an intraoral scan and what is it used for?
The intraoral scan, also known as the 3D intraoral scanner, is a cutting-edge technology that digitally reproduces the patient's teeth, gums, and dental arches in just a few minutes, creating a high-fidelity three-dimensional model.
The process is carried out with a small camera that emits beams of light and captures thousands of images per second, transforming them into a 3D model.
At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo in Benavente, the intraoral scan replaces the traditional alginate impression — that "putty" that many patients find uncomfortable — with a fully digital, fast, precise, and entirely comfortable process.
The three-dimensional image is displayed in real time on screen and can be shared digitally with the dental laboratory.
“The intraoral scan has transformed the experience for our patients. There are no more uncomfortable impression trays. Within minutes, we have a perfect 3D model that allows us to work with a level of precision impossible to achieve with traditional methods.”
How the intraoral scan examination works
The intraoral scan is a simple, quick, and entirely comfortable process. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, we use a state-of-the-art intraoral scanner that digitises the oral cavity in just a few minutes, generating a highly precise 3D model for treatment planning.
Oral Cavity Preparation
Before beginning the scanning, the dentist may carry out a brief cleaning of the tooth surfaces to ensure there are no residues or excess saliva that could interfere with the quality of the image capture.
Scanning with the Intraoral Scanner
The dentist gently glides the scanner's camera over the patient's teeth and gums. The device emits beams of light that capture thousands of images per second. The 3D model is built in real time on the monitor, allowing the patient to follow the entire process.
Verification and Validation of the 3D Model
After scanning, the dentist analyses the 3D model on the screen, checking that all areas have been captured correctly. If necessary, it is possible to rescan a specific area in just a few seconds, without any discomfort for the patient.
Digital Submission to the Laboratory
The validated 3D model is sent digitally to the dental laboratory or processed by the planning software. This digital workflow eliminates manual steps, reduces errors, and significantly accelerates the manufacturing process for prosthetic and orthodontic components.
What our patients say
Finally an impression without that horrible putty! The intraoral scan was quick and comfortable.
Beatriz Canto
Seeing my teeth in 3D on the screen was incredible. I understood exactly what the doctor explained to me.
Francisco Rodrigues
My dental veneers turned out perfectly thanks to the intraoral scan. The digital precision makes all the difference!
Helena Silva
Clinical indications for the intraoral scan examination
The intraoral scanner is used across multiple areas of dentistry. Discover the treatments in which this digital technology is essential.
Book your appointment
Would you like to experience the intraoral scanner? At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, we use this digital technology across all treatments.
Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo
R. Vasco da Gama 6,
2130-197 Benavente, Portugal
Telephone: +351 263 516 773
Mobile: +351 919 366 534
geral@clinicapaulocardozo.pt
Frequently asked questions
about the intraoral scan examination
What is a dental intraoral scan?
This is a digital technology that creates a 3D model of the dental arches and gums, replacing traditional impressions with complete precision.
Does the intraoral scan cause discomfort?
No. The process is entirely comfortable. It uses no putty or trays, eliminating the discomfort and gag reflex associated with traditional impressions.
How long does the digital scan take?
Scanning a full dental arch takes approximately sixty seconds. The complete mouth is scanned in just a few minutes.
Does the scan replace traditional impressions?
Yes, in the vast majority of cases. The digital impression is more precise, faster, and much more comfortable than conventional impressions.
Is the examination safe? Does it emit radiation?
Yes, it is completely safe. The intraoral scanner uses only visible or structured light to capture images. It emits no radiation whatsoever.
Can I see the result immediately?
Yes. The 3D model is built in real time and displayed on the screen during the appointment, so that you can view your teeth in detail.
Which treatments is it used for?
It is used for crowns, veneers, aligners, implants, prostheses, and occlusal splints, among other dental treatments.
Does the intraoral scan work for children too?
Yes. Intraoral scanning is particularly well accepted by children, as it avoids the discomfort of traditional alginate impression trays.
Do you have an intraoral scanner at your clinic?
Yes. At Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo, the intraoral scanner is part of our digital workflow for the majority of dental treatments.
Clinical Rigour and International Standards
The clinical team at Clínica Dr. Paulo Cardozo guides its practice in accordance with the guidelines of the leading oral health reference bodies, including the FDI World Dental Federation, the Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas (OMD), and the World Health Organization — Oral Health.
The continuous training and professional development of the clinical staff at Clínica Médica Dentária Dr. Paulo Cardozo, together with the integration of international recommendations into their practice, ensures that every procedure is carried out with safety and medical responsibility.