A digital record can travel from a dental office to a laboratory and back as a designed or manufactured restoration. At each handoff, somebody needs to confirm that the information is usable and that it matches the current plan. Sending a file is not the same as approving a design or verifying the finished restoration in the mouth.

This guide focuses on those handoffs. Ask Rudy Aldaragi DDS which steps apply to your proposed restoration, who performs them and what happens if more information or a revision is needed.

Before the file leaves the dental office

Ask what records will be sent and whether the clinician has checked that they are suitable for the intended work. A laboratory may need more than a surface scan alone. The relevant prescription, tooth identification, bite information, photographs or other records depend on the particular case.

Useful questions include: “Is the record complete enough for this purpose?” and “Has anything changed since it was captured?” A visually clear model is not proof that every required detail is present. Do not assume that the software automatically detects every missing area or clinical issue.

At the laboratory handoff

Ask who receives the files, how the office confirms receipt and what happens if the laboratory cannot open or use them. A successful upload does not establish that the correct case, version and instructions were received.

How is the record linked to the correct patient and proposed restoration?
Which version of the prescription and design is current?
Who answers laboratory questions about missing or unclear details?
Who authorizes a change before manufacturing?
How will the office know if a new record or appointment is needed?

These are coordination questions for the dental team. Patients should not edit the scan, change a laboratory prescription or approve a technical design themselves.

When a design is ready

Find out which decisions remain with the clinician and which preferences you will be asked to discuss. Appearance preferences and clinical approval are different. If a preview is shown, ask what it illustrates and what still needs to be checked in the actual restoration.

A design may be revised as the team resolves questions. Ask how revisions are tracked so that an earlier version is not confused with the approved one. Do not assume that “digital” means no communication, adjustments or remakes will be needed.

When the restoration returns

Ask who checks that the delivered item corresponds to the current prescription and how its condition and suitability are assessed before use. Manufacturing and clinical checks have different roles.

For example, the American Dental Association’s description of porcelain veneers includes a dentist checking fit and shape before bonding. Your clinician should explain the checks appropriate to your particular restoration, including any assessment of the bite and surrounding teeth. A file’s acceptance by a laboratory does not replace that examination.

If the fit or appearance is not acceptable

Ask in advance how the team would decide between further assessment, adjustment, a revised record or a remake. The appropriate response depends on the findings. Do not assume every discrepancy can be fixed in minutes or that the tooth itself should always be adjusted.

Discuss who communicates with the laboratory, whether another appointment may be needed and how any additional charges are handled. An estimate should clarify what is included without promising a perfect first fit or a fixed number of visits.

Close the handoff with a follow-up plan

Before leaving, ask which instructions apply to the restoration and whom to contact if the bite, comfort or condition concerns you. Confirm current office and after-hours arrangements directly. Do not treat all discomfort as an expected adjustment period or assume immediate availability from a general website statement.

Ask whether a planned review is needed and what information to report if a concern develops. The dentist can assess whether an examination or other action is appropriate. Avoid attempting to alter a restoration yourself.

A short handoff checklist

The office confirms the record and prescription are suitable.
The laboratory confirms receipt and raises any questions.
The responsible clinician reviews proposed changes.
The finished item receives appropriate clinical checks.
The patient receives a clear follow-up contact and instructions.

Does a digital scan guarantee the first restoration will fit?

No. Suitable records, communication, manufacturing and clinical verification all matter.

Does in-office technology mean every case is completed in one day?

No. Confirm the workflow and likely schedule for the specific case.

Who decides whether an adjustment or remake is needed?

The treating clinician should assess the findings and explain the proposed next step.

From a Digital Tooth Scan to a Restoration: Questions About Fit and Follow-Up