LACKAWANNA, N.Y. — Southtowns Dental has begun offering intraoral photogrammetry (IPG) scanning for full-arch and implant-supported denture patients, a technology that captures implant positioning and complete jaw geometry in a single scan rather than the multiple steps that are traditionally required.
The addition is aimed at shortening treatment timelines for patients pursuing All-on-X and full-arch implant restorations at our Lackawanna, NY practice.
We’ve spent three decades treating full-arch and implant patients across Western New York, and the biggest recurring friction point has always been the number of appointments it takes to get from consultation to a properly fitted final restoration. This scanning technology addresses that directly.
The Hidden Problem With Full-Mouth Implant Impressions
Full-arch implant cases typically involve four to six or more implants that all have to be captured in exact relation to one another. Get that relationship even slightly wrong, and everything downstream is affected.
The conventional route relies on impression material, trays, splinted jigs, and lab pours – and each of those steps is a chance for distortion. In practice, that can mean a final bridge that doesn’t seat evenly, uneven stress on the implants themselves, patient discomfort, and in some cases, remakes that add weeks and extra visits to a process patients are usually eager to finish.
This isn’t a rare case; it’s a known limitation of the traditional workflow, which is why full-arch implant planning has historically taken longer and required more chair time than most other dental procedures.
What is Intraoral Photogrammetry (IPG)?
Intraoral photogrammetry combines high-accuracy intraoral scanning with photogrammetric capture (the same underlying principle used to measure precise spatial positioning in fields like engineering and surveying) inside a single handheld device.
In practical terms, it means we can now capture the exact 3D position of each implant, along with the full geometry of the arch, in one scanning sequence, without needing multiple appointments or an off-site lab step just to establish that positioning. The result is a more accurate starting point for both the temporary (provisional) restoration a patient wears during healing and the final prosthesis.
The Technology Behind It
We’re using the Aoralscan Elite, an intraoral scanner by SHINING 3D that was recognized by an official certification from the Digital Dentistry Society (DDS) alongside top industry accolades. It’s compact (245 x 30 x 26 mm) and lightweight (124g), which makes the scanning experience noticeably more comfortable for patients – particularly those with a strong gag reflex or limited jaw opening, both common concerns among people who’ve avoided implant treatment for years.
The system is also compatible with more than 100 implant brands, so patients with implants already placed elsewhere aren’t excluded from using it.
What This Means for Patients
For patients, the most immediate difference is fewer appointments. Steps that used to require separate visits (impression-taking, verification, and adjustment) can now largely happen in a single scanning session. The scanner also works for edentulous patients (those missing all their teeth in an arch), using a larger scanning tip designed specifically to capture full oral geometry with the same level of precision.
Who Is This For?
This technology is most relevant for:
- Patients missing all or most teeth in an arch, who are candidates for a full-arch implant-supported restoration.
- Denture wearers who want a fixed, non-removable solution instead of a removable appliance.
- Patients with failing teeth planning full-arch extraction with immediate implant placement, since the technology can capture implant position right after placement in the same visit.
- Patients whose current denture or bridge no longer fits well and needs to be corrected or remade.
- Existing implant patients who need a new prosthesis, including those whose original implants were placed at another practice.
Doctor’s Perspective
“For patients who’ve been putting off full-arch treatment because of how many visits it used to take, this changes the conversation. We can now capture implant positioning and the full arch in one visit, which gives us a more predictable starting point for the final restoration and means less time in the chair overall,” said Dr. William D’Angelo, who oversees implant treatment planning and surgical placement at Southtowns Dental.
Next Steps for Patients
Patients who are missing several or all of their teeth, or who are unhappy with an existing denture or bridge, can find out whether they’re a candidate for full-arch implant treatment by taking the practice’s online implant eligibility quiz or scheduling a consultation directly with Southtowns Dental in Lackawanna, NY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this only for full-arch/All-on-X patients, or can other patients benefit too?
While it’s built for full-arch implant cases, the same scanner is also used for everyday restorative and orthodontic scanning, so it isn’t limited to full-arch patients alone.
Does this replace traditional dental impressions?
For eligible cases, yes! It replaces the need for physical impression trays and materials, making the process faster and more comfortable.
Will this affect the cost of implant treatment?
Pricing depends on individual treatment plans. Patients should confirm current costs directly with the practice; the technology is intended to improve accuracy and reduce the number of appointments needed, not necessarily change the overall fee structure.
I already have implants placed elsewhere — can I still use this?
In most cases, yes. The scanning system is compatible with more than 100 implant brands, so most existing implant placements can be accommodated.
How long after scanning until I get my final restoration?
Timelines vary by case complexity and healing requirements, but because scanning and positioning data are captured more efficiently, the overall process from scan to final restoration is typically shorter than with conventional impression methods.
How soon can new patients schedule a scan?
Interested patients can call the practice or use the online scheduling tool to check current availability.
About Southtowns Dental: Southtowns Dental is a third-generation, family-owned dental practice based in Lackawanna, NY, with more than 30 years of experience serving patients across Western New York. Five dentists practice under one roof, offering general dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. The practice holds a 4.9-star rating across 281+ reviews.
