What is an Implant Scan Body? A practical guide for dentists
If you are new to restoring dental implants, the words "scan body" are likely to appear very quickly.
Your technician may ask you to use one.
Your scanner workflow may request one.
You may see a small metal or polymer component that looks nothing like a conventional impression coping and wonder exactly what information it is providing.
The principle is actually relatively simple.
An implant scan body is a precisely manufactured component used during digital implant impressions to communicate the three-dimensional position and orientation of an implant or abutment to CAD/CAM software.
In other words, it allows the digital system to work out where the implant is.
Straumann's technical documentation describes its scan bodies as representing the position and orientation of the relevant implant, analogue or abutment so that CAD/CAM software can correctly align the subsequent restoration.
Why can't you simply scan the implant?
The implant's restorative connection is usually not something an intraoral scanner can simply interpret accurately on its own.
Instead, a scan body with a known geometry is connected to the implant.
The scanner records the shape of that scan body.
The CAD software then matches the scanned geometry against the corresponding digital library.
Because the software knows:
- what the scan body looks like;
- which implant connection it belongs to; and
- how its geometry relates to that connection,
it can calculate the implant's position and orientation.
That information is then used to design the restoration.
What information does the scan body transfer?
Depending on the system, the scan body helps the digital workflow establish information including the:
- position of the implant;
- angulation;
- rotational orientation;
- restorative platform/interface.
The surrounding intraoral scan simultaneously records:
- adjacent teeth;
- soft tissues;
- opposing dentition; and
- occlusal relationship.
Together, these datasets allow the technician or CAD designer to build the restoration digitally.
Is every implant scan body the same?
No.
This is one of the first things a dentist beginning implant restoration needs to understand.
A scan body must be compatible with:
- the implant manufacturer;
- implant system;
- restorative connection;
- platform;
- restorative level;
- relevant CAD/CAM library.
Do not assume that because a scan body physically looks similar, it is interchangeable.
Correct component identification is fundamental to implant restoration.
Implant-level vs abutment-level scanning
Scan bodies can be used in different restorative workflows.
Implant-level scan
The scan body connects directly to the implant.
The digital workflow therefore records the implant-level restorative connection.
Abutment-level scan
In other workflows, the scan body connects to an intermediate restorative abutment.
The restoration is consequently designed from that abutment-level interface.
You need to know which level you are working at before selecting the component.
What does a scan body look like?
Design varies between systems.
However, scan bodies usually contain recognisable geometric features that allow scanning software to determine orientation.
These may include:
- flat surfaces;
- asymmetric sections;
- grooves;
- bevelled areas;
- identifying marks.
These features are functional rather than decorative.
The geometry is what allows the software to recognise orientation.
Research also demonstrates that scan-body design and orientation can influence digital implant impression accuracy.
How do you use an implant scan body?
The exact procedure is system-specific, but the underlying sequence is broadly:
1. Identify the implant
Confirm the:
- manufacturer;
- implant system;
- restorative platform;
- connection.
2. Select the correct scan body
Confirm compatibility with both the implant and the intended digital workflow.
3. Remove the healing component
Protect against aspiration and handle the restorative components carefully.
4. Insert the scan body
Connect it using the appropriate instrument.
5. Confirm complete seating
This is critical.
For Straumann's current metal scan-body workflow, manufacturer guidance instructs clinicians to check proper fit and any rotational or vertical looseness, hand-tighten the fixation screw and ensure that the engaging features are correctly aligned and seated.
6. Confirm orientation
Some systems require the scan body to be orientated in a specific way.
For example, Straumann's instructions for a single-tooth restoration describe a defined orientation of the scan-body flat surface.
This is exactly why generic assumptions should never replace the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Scan
Follow the intraoral scanner's recommended strategy and ensure the scan body and surrounding anatomy are captured sufficiently.
8. Remove the scan body
Reinsert the appropriate healing or provisional component as required.
9. Send the correct information to the laboratory
Make sure the technician knows exactly which implant system and scan body have been used.
Why complete scan-body seating matters
Imagine the actual implant is in one position, but the scan body is sitting slightly proud of the connection.
The scanner has no way of knowing that.
It simply records the scan body's external geometry.
The software may therefore interpret the implant position based upon an incorrectly positioned reference.
This is why:
"I got a really good scan"
and
"I got an accurate implant impression"
are not necessarily the same thing.
The clinical component must be correct before the digital technology can be correct.
Should the scan body be radiographed?
Whether a radiograph is appropriate will depend on the implant system, clinical visibility, component and individual circumstances.
The important principle is that seating must be verified.
When clinical seating is uncertain, do not simply assume that tightening the screw means the component is correctly engaged.
Use an appropriate method of verification based on the clinical situation and manufacturer guidance.
Can scan bodies be reused?
This depends on the manufacturer and specific component.
Some are reusable and some are single-use.
If reusable, the component must still comply with the manufacturer's:
- cleaning;
- disinfection;
- sterilisation;
- inspection;
- reuse limitations.
For example, Straumann's current metal scan-body documentation specifies a defined reuse protocol and advises ensuring that components are clean, undamaged and free from deformation before use.
Never assume that a component can be repeatedly reused simply because it still looks acceptable.
Common implant scan-body mistakes
Using the wrong scan body
The external appearance can be deceptively similar.
Always identify the implant first.
Incomplete seating
One of the most clinically important errors.
Check the connection carefully.
Scan body contacting an adjacent tooth
This may prevent full seating or interfere with capture.
Manufacturer instructions may specifically require avoiding proximal contact.
Wrong digital library
The scanner may capture the scan body correctly but the restoration can still be based on incorrect information if the wrong component is selected digitally.
Damaged scan body
Wear or damage can affect the geometry upon which the digital workflow relies.
Poor scan capture
The software needs adequate geometry to identify the component.
Assuming all systems work identically
They don't.
Know the system you are restoring.
Scan body vs impression coping: what's the difference?
They perform analogous jobs in two different workflows.
Scan body
Used in a digital implant impression.
The scanner records a known geometry and software determines implant position.
Impression coping
Used in a conventional implant impression.
The physical impression records the coping and allows the implant position to be transferred to an analogue and working model.
A useful shorthand is:
Scan body = digital transfer
Impression coping = physical transfer
The goal is the same: accurately communicate the implant's restorative position to the laboratory.
Do you need to understand scan bodies to restore implants?
If you intend to use digital implant impressions, absolutely.
But you don't need to become a CAD designer.
As the restorative dentist, the critical skills are:
- identifying the implant;
- selecting the correct component;
- inserting it safely;
- verifying seating;
- understanding orientation;
- capturing an appropriate scan; and
- communicating effectively with the laboratory.
Those are fundamentally clinical skills, not computer skills.
And they are much easier to understand once you have actually handled the components.
Want to practise scan-body placement rather than just read about it?
Engage One: The Single Implant Crown is a hands-on implant restoration course for GDPs.
You'll physically work through:
- implant component identification;
- scan-body placement;
- digital implant impressions;
- conventional impression techniques;
- single implant crown fitting;
- torque protocols;
- seating verification;
- occlusal assessment; and
- screw-access sealing.
Practical training uses the Straumann BLC implant system, with the restorative principles taught in a way that can be transferred to other implant systems.
Clinical note: Scan-body design, compatibility, orientation, cleaning, tightening and scanning protocols vary between systems. Always follow the current instructions for the specific component being used.
