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Dental Scan-Prep Checklist

What to include with a scan before you send a case for CAD design. Tick items off as you go, print it for the operatory, or copy it into your notes. Most design delays come from a missing piece of information, not the design itself. No email needed.

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Before you scan

A clean scan is the biggest factor in how quickly a case moves.

Retract and dry the area so the preparation margin is fully visible, with no blood, saliva or fluid on it.Capture the adjacent and opposing teeth completely, including the contact areas.Scan the full upper and lower arch. Check for holes, stitching errors or movement artifacts and rescan the area if you see any.

Bite and files

Mismatched bites are a common reason for rework.

Take a bite scan in maximum intercuspation and check that it lines up with both arches.Export as STL or PLY and name the files clearly (upper, lower, bite).

Case details

Fill these in on the order card so the designer does not have to ask.

Mark each tooth number and the restoration type (full contour, coping, veneer, layered).Add the material and shade, plus any contact or occlusion preferences.For front teeth, add patient photos (smile, shade tab). They are required for anterior cases.Add notes for anything unusual: tight contacts, a preferred margin, a due date.

Implant checklist

Scan and scan body

The scan body position is what the whole design is built from.

Make sure the scan body is fully seated and tightened. If in doubt, confirm seating before scanning.
Capture the scan body and the surrounding soft tissue and adjacent teeth with no gaps.
Scan the full upper and lower arch, plus a bite scan.

Implant information

These match the fields on our upload form.

Tell us the implant system and the platform / connection.
Tell us which scan body or library you used. Not sure? Say so and we will confirm before designing.
Note your design software / library preference (exocad, 3Shape, or either).

Restoration choices

Decide these up front to avoid a round of questions.

Abutment: stock, custom or Ti-base.
Retention: screw-retained or cement-retained.
Crown material and, if relevant, gingival height.
Add a pre-operative scan if you have one, and photos for front teeth.

Full-arch / All-on-X checklist

Scans

Full-arch cases depend on accurate implant positions.

Upper and lower arch scans with the scan bodies in place.
Your verification jig data, or tell us you want us to convert one.
The existing denture or wax-up scan, if you have one (optional).
A bite scan if you can take one. It is optional for full-arch cases.

Implant details

Matches the full-arch panel on the upload form.

Implant system and platform, and the scan body or library used.
The number of implants per arch.
The multi-unit abutment type: straight, 17°, 30° or mixed.
The prosthesis you want designed: hybrid, bar or removable, and which arch or arches.

Timing

Tell us early if there is a surgery date.

The surgery date and time, if there is one.
If you need the design by surgery day, flag it as a rush. Rush is a paid add-on and we confirm whether we can meet your time.
Optional: CBCT or patient photos.

Ready to send. Everything on the list is covered. Upload your case →

This is a general preparation guide, not clinical advice. Your clinical judgement and your scanner and implant manufacturers' instructions come first. Missing something? Send the case anyway and we will tell you what is still needed.

Dental Scan-Prep Checklist

Before you scan

Bite and files

Case details

Checklist done? Send the case.