Definition: An impression in dental terms refers to a negative imprint or mold of a patient’s teeth and surrounding oral structures. It is used to create accurate replicas for various dental treatments like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
Variations: There are various types of dental impressions, including traditional alginate impressions, digital impressions using intraoral scanners, and silicone-based material impressions. Each type has specific applications based on the treatment requirements.
Common Uses: Dental impressions are commonly used in procedures like crown and bridge fabrication, orthodontic treatment planning, and prosthetic restorations. They help in designing custom-made dental appliances that fit the patient’s mouth perfectly.
Procedure: The process of taking a dental impression involves placing a tray filled with impression material into the patient’s mouth and allowing it to set. Careful removal of the set impression ensures accurate replication of the teeth and soft tissues.
Risks: Potential complications of dental impressions include gag reflex in patients, distortion of the impression material during setting, and inaccurate replication leading to ill-fitting dental restorations.
Maintenance Requirements: Dental impressions should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent distortion. Proper disinfection of reusable impression trays is essential to maintain hygiene standards.
Associated Terms: Devices like impression trays, spatulas for mixing impression material, and tray adhesive are often used in conjunction with dental impressions to ensure accurate results.
Recent Developments: Recent advancements in digital impression technology have revolutionized the dental field, offering faster, more precise, and comfortable ways of capturing dental impressions without the need for traditional impression materials.
Regulations: Dental professionals must adhere to strict infection control protocols when handling impression materials and equipment to prevent cross-contamination and ensure patient safety.
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