Primescan Digital Impressions
Primescan replaces the uncomfortable putty trays of traditional dental impressions with a compact handheld scanner that captures highly detailed 3D images of your teeth and gums in seconds. At the practice of Dr. R. David Brumbaugh in Dallas, TX, digital impressions are the standard, delivering greater accuracy, faster turnaround, and a far more comfortable experience for every patient.
How Primescan Works
The Primescan scanner uses high-speed optical sensors to capture up to one million 3D data points per second. Dr. Brumbaugh simply passes the compact wand over your teeth while you relax in the chair. Within seconds, a detailed digital model appears on the chairside monitor, accurate down to fractions of a millimeter.
This digital model replaces the physical impression entirely. It can be used immediately for CEREC same-day restorations or transmitted electronically to a dental laboratory for cases that require lab fabrication.
Benefits Over Traditional Impressions
- No gag reflex trigger: The small scanner wand eliminates the bulky trays and putty material that cause gagging in many patients
- Greater accuracy: Digital data is more precise than physical impressions, reducing the likelihood of ill-fitting restorations and costly remakes
- Instant review: Dr. Brumbaugh can evaluate the scan immediately and re-scan any area that needs more detail without waiting for material to set only to discover a void
- Faster turnaround: Digital files are transmitted instantly, eliminating shipping time to the lab
- Eco-friendly: No single-use plastic trays, no chemical impression material, no packaging waste
What Procedures Use Primescan?
Primescan is used across virtually all restorative and cosmetic procedures in our practice:
- Same-day CEREC crowns, inlays, and onlays
- Porcelain veneers
- Dental bridges
- Implant abutments and crowns
- Implant-supported dentures
- Night guards and occlusal splints
The Patient Experience
If you have ever dreaded the goopy putty trays of a traditional impression, you will appreciate how different Primescan feels:
- Sit back comfortably. No special preparation is needed
- Dr. Brumbaugh or a trained assistant gently guides the scanner wand over your teeth
- Watch the 3D model build in real time on the screen beside you
- The scan completes in about 60 to 90 seconds for a full arch
Patients with strong gag reflexes, dental anxiety, or a simple preference for modern comfort consistently tell us that Primescan is one of the most noticeable improvements in their dental experience.
Integration with Our Digital Workflow
Primescan is the entry point for our fully digital restorative workflow. Scan data flows directly into CEREC design software for same-day milling, or is transmitted to our partner lab for complex cases. Combined with CBCT imaging for implant planning, this connected system means fewer errors, fewer appointments, and restorations that fit precisely from the first try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Studies consistently show that digital impressions capture finer detail and produce fewer remakes compared to traditional putty techniques. The scanner captures thousands of data points per second, creating a highly precise 3D model.
Not at all. The scanner is a small wand that glides over your teeth without touching your soft tissues aggressively. There is no pressure, no gagging material, and no discomfort.
A full-arch scan typically takes 60 to 90 seconds. Individual tooth scans for a single crown or veneer take even less time.
Primescan is used for crowns, veneers, bridges, inlays, onlays, implant restorations, and clear aligners. It integrates with our CEREC system for same-day restorations.
Impressions Without the Mess
Experience the comfort of digital scanning at your next appointment. Call 214-369-5159 to schedule.