Three-Dimensional Digital Planning
Every implant, designed before it is placed.
We do not begin implant treatment without a complete 3D blueprint of your final result. CBCT imaging, digital scanning, the Instarisa 3D facial scanner, and Blue Sky Plan three-dimensional software let us plan every implant down to the millimeter — so when we move to the procedure, every decision has already been made.
Our philosophy
Begin with the end in mind
"Begin with the end in mind."
This principle, made famous by Stephen Covey, is the philosophy underlying every implant case Dr. Jackson plans. He envisions the final result first — the restored tooth, the restored function, the appearance — and then plans the implant position to support that end. The final restoration is designed before the implant position is determined; the implant is placed to serve the restoration, not the other way around.
This is sometimes called restoratively driven implant placement, and it is the foundation of how we approach every case. It requires planning the final outcome digitally, before any procedure, and using that plan to guide every decision afterward. The technology to do this well has only matured in recent years — and it is the reason your implant case at Jackson Dentistry will look and function differently than it might at a practice using older approaches.
Our digital planning workflow
How we plan your case
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Step 1
CBCT 3D imaging.
A cone-beam computed tomography scan captures your jaw in three dimensions. Unlike a flat X-ray, CBCT shows us bone density, nerve canal locations, sinus position, the roots of adjacent teeth, and the overall geometry of your mouth — everything we need to plan safely and accurately. The scan takes under a minute.
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Step 2
iTero digital scan.
Our iTero scanner captures the surface of your teeth and gums with a small wand. The scan is a high-resolution 3D model of your mouth, available immediately. The two iTero scanners in our office move between operatories on wheels, so the right tool is always available where it is needed.
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Step 3
Instarisa 3D facial scan.
For full-arch and esthetic cases, we capture a three-dimensional scan of your face using the Instarisa scanner — capturing the relationship between your teeth, lips, smile, and overall facial structure. This data is integrated with the CBCT and intraoral scan so the design accounts for how the final teeth will look in your face, not just in your mouth.
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Step 4
Data fusion in planning software.
We combine all the scan data into a single, complete 3D model of your mouth and face — bone, nerves, teeth, gums, existing restorations, and facial context all in one view. This is the model we plan on.
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Step 5
Designing the final restoration.
Using Exocad design software, we design the final tooth — or full prosthesis, in All-on-X cases — first. Shape, position, contour, occlusion, esthetics. This becomes the target.
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Step 6
Planning implant positions in Blue Sky Plan.
Dr. Jackson plans every implant case personally in Blue Sky Plan three-dimensional implant planning software. With the final restoration in place virtually, he works backward to position the implant or implants — choosing the angle, depth, and exact location that best supports the planned restoration while respecting all surrounding anatomy. The planning is never outsourced.
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Step 7
Reviewing the plan with you.
You see the plan before treatment begins. We walk through what we are proposing, why, and what to expect. No procedure happens without your full understanding and agreement.
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Step 8
Translating the plan into the procedure.
The completed digital plan becomes the foundation for the procedure itself. For most cases, Dr. Jackson designs and 3D-prints a custom surgical guide directly from the plan — fabricated in our in-house lab. For full-arch and select complex cases, the plan transfers to the Yomi robotic system for real-time guided placement. Either way, the work done in the planning phase translates directly into precision in the operatory.
Why it matters
What digital planning means for your outcome
The benefits of doing all of this work before the procedure are not abstract. They translate directly into a better experience and a better long-term result:
- Better-looking final teeth. When the implant is placed precisely where the final restoration calls for, the crown or prosthesis looks more natural and supports your facial features properly.
- Healthier surrounding tissue. Properly positioned implants are easier to clean, distribute bite forces evenly, and support healthy gum tissue around them.
- Fewer surprises during the procedure. Every variable we can identify in advance is one we do not have to figure out during treatment. Most decisions are already made by the time you sit in the chair.
- Smoother, less invasive procedures. Pre-planned cases are more predictable, often allowing for flapless techniques and a more comfortable recovery.
- Better long-term outcomes. Studies consistently show that digitally planned, guided implant placement results in higher accuracy, fewer complications, and better long-term implant survival than freehand surgery.
Behind the scenes
Where the design happens
Most practices outsource implant planning and prosthesis design to external labs or consultants. We do the work in-house. Dr. Jackson plans every implant himself in Blue Sky Plan software. Our digital lab is equipped with Exocad design software and dental 3D printers — used for designing surgical guides, provisional prostheses, and immediate temporary crowns.
Why does this matter? Because the dentist and the lab designer are not separate people in separate buildings communicating over email. Dr. Jackson designs the plan, designs the guide, prints the guide, and places the implant. When something needs adjusting — whether a refinement to the plan, a tweak to the provisional design, or a same-day modification — it happens immediately, not days later.
For final crowns and certain other restorations, we send our iTero scans to a trusted outside laboratory partner and receive completed crowns within approximately a week. For implant cases — especially All-on-X, where surgical guides and provisional prostheses need to be ready precisely when the team needs them — having the lab in-house is the difference between a coordinated case and a fragmented one.
Frequently asked
Common questions about 3D planning
Is this the same as a CT scan I would get at a hospital?
CBCT (cone-beam CT) is similar in principle but uses much less radiation than a medical CT scan and is specifically designed for dental and maxillofacial imaging. The exposure is comparable to a few standard dental X-rays.
How long does the planning process take?
The scans themselves take a few minutes. Dr. Jackson typically completes the digital plan within a day or two for most cases — sometimes three for complex cases. You will be able to review the final plan before any procedure is scheduled.
Can I see the plan before the procedure?
Yes. We walk through your plan with you before scheduling. You will see exactly where the implants will be placed and what the final result is designed to look like.
Does every implant case need this much planning?
Yes — Dr. Jackson plans every implant case in three-dimensional software, regardless of complexity. Even a single-tooth implant benefits from full 3D planning — better placement, better long-term outcomes, fewer surprises. It is how we practice.
See your case in 3D before treatment begins.
The planning process starts with a consultation and a CBCT scan. From there, we will show you exactly what is possible and walk through the plan together — no commitments, no rushed decisions.