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Table of Contents
You need exactly two digital files to order a surgical guide: a CBCT scan and an intraoral scan. Everything else — case notes, implant preferences, prosthetic plans — is helpful but optional. Here's the complete list of what to prepare, what formats work, and what to do if you're missing something.
A 3D-printed template that fits over the patient's teeth or tissue and directs drill placement during implant surgery. It transfers the digital treatment plan into precise physical drill positions.
A 3D surface mesh file format used in dental CAD/CAM. Intraoral scanners produce STL files that capture tooth and gingival surfaces for surgical guide fitting.
A 3D imaging technique that captures the jaw, teeth, and bone structure in a single rotational scan. It produces DICOM files used for implant planning, nerve mapping, and surgical guide design.
The Two Required Files
1. CBCT Scan (DICOM format)
Your CBCT provides the 3D bone anatomy we need for implant planning. Without it, there's no way to assess bone density, measure available height, or map anatomical structures.
The structural quality of jawbone classified on the Misch scale (D1-D4). Higher density provides better implant stability; lower density may require modified surgical protocols.
Requirements:
- Format: DICOM (.dcm files, typically a folder of 200-600 individual slices)
- Minimum FOV: 8×8 cm for single implant, full arch recommended for multi-implant
- Voxel size: 0.2mm or smaller preferred (0.3mm acceptable)
- Recency: Taken within the last 3-6 months (bone morphology can change)
- Patient position: Mouth closed, no movement artifacts
File size: CBCT folders typically run 50-300 MB. Our upload system handles up to 500 MB.
2. Intraoral Scan (STL format)
The intraoral scan captures the surface anatomy — teeth, gingiva, and soft tissue contours. This is what the surgical guide body sits on.
Requirements:
- Format: STL (.stl) or PLY (.ply)
- Source: Any intraoral scanner — iTero, Trios, Medit, Primescan, Aoralscan
- Scope: Full arch containing the implant site + adjacent teeth
- Quality: Complete marginal coverage, no gaps in the scan mesh
File size: Typically 5-30 MB per arch.
Placing cases regularly? See how the upload workflow integrates into your daily practice.
Optional But Helpful Additions
These aren't required, but they improve the quality of your guide design:
| File/Info | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Opposing arch scan | Occlusal reference for prosthetic-driven positioning |
| Pre-op photographs | Aesthetic zone tissue assessment |
| Treatment plan notes | Implant system, size preference, prosthetic plan |
| Radiographic template scan | Double-scan protocol for fully edentulous cases |
| Previous panoramic X-ray | Additional reference (doesn't replace CBCT) |
What If You're Missing a File?
No intraoral scanner?
Three options:
- Send a physical impression to your lab → they scan it and send the STL ($15-30)
- Use our CBCT segmentation service → we extract surface anatomy from your CBCT
- Both jaws: $30
- With nerve mapping: $40
- Full (nerves + sinuses): $50
- Partner with a local imaging center that offers combined CBCT + IOS
No CBCT in your practice?
Refer the patient to a dental imaging center. CBCT scans cost patients $150-300 and take 20 seconds. Most major cities have multiple imaging centers.
Old CBCT (>6 months)?
If significant dental work has been done since the scan, a new CBCT is recommended. If nothing has changed clinically, a 6-12 month old CBCT is usually acceptable.
Common File Mistakes That Delay Your Order
| Mistake | What Happens | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete CBCT export | Missing slices, can't reconstruct | Re-export from scanner as full DICOM folder |
| Scan with artifacts | Metal scatter obscures anatomy | Adjust CBCT settings or request artifact reduction |
| Wrong arch scanned | Upper instead of lower (or vice versa) | Rescan the correct arch |
| Compressed STL | File corrupted during email | Use cloud upload (Google Drive, WeTransfer) |
| Panoramic X-ray only | Can't plan in 3D | Need a CBCT scan (2D is not sufficient) |
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Got your CBCT and STL ready? That's all you need to get started.
Upload Your Files on SurgicalGuide.pro
FAQ
Can I send files from any CBCT machine?
Yes. We accept DICOM files from all major CBCT units: Carestream, KaVo, Planmeca, Vatech, Sirona, iCat, and others. DICOM is the universal standard.
Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine — the universal file format for medical imaging. CBCT scanners produce DICOM files that are imported into planning software for 3D reconstruction.
What intraoral scanners are compatible?
All of them. iTero, 3Shape Trios, Medit, Primescan, Aoralscan — any scanner that exports STL or PLY files works perfectly.
How do I export DICOM files from my CBCT?
Most CBCT software has an "Export DICOM" option. Export the full volume (not a panoramic view) as a folder of .dcm files. Your CBCT vendor can walk you through it.
Can I email the files?
files are usually too large for email (50-300 MB). Use our secure upload portal, or send via Google Drive, WeTransfer, or Dropbox links.
What if I only have a panoramic radiograph?
A panoramic X-ray is 2D and insufficient for surgical guide design. You need the 3D volumetric data from a CBCT. However, a panoramic can serve as an additional reference alongside the CBCT.
How recent should the CBCT be?
Ideally within 3-6 months. If no dental work has been done since the scan, up to 12 months is acceptable for most cases.
Do you need both arches scanned?
For the intraoral scan, we need at minimum the arch containing the implant site. The opposing arch is helpful for occlusal analysis but not required for guide design.
What if my CBCT has metal artifacts?
Some metal scatter is normal and usually doesn't prevent planning. If artifacts are severe (large metal restorations near the implant site), consider requesting an artifact reduction scan or a cone-beam with different settings.
Can my assistant upload the files?
Yes. Create one account for your practice and anyone on your team can upload files and track cases through the dashboard.
What about HIPAA compliance for file uploads?
All files are transferred via encrypted HTTPS connection and stored on HIPAA-compliant infrastructure. We recommend removing patient name from DICOM metadata if preferred — only the anatomy matters for planning.
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