Digital Dentistry

How 3D imaging, digital planning and thoughtful use of technology support more personal dental care.

Dr Bill Kalis — Thursday 17 September 2026

At Padstow Dental, we continually look for ways to make your care more comfortable, better organised and easier to understand. Digital technology plays an important part in that commitment, helping us gather detailed information, plan treatment and give you our attention during appointments.

Our practice uses on-site cone beam CT imaging, BlueSky Plan digital planning software, a Medit intraoral 3D scanner and Heidi AI-assisted clinical documentation. Each serves a different purpose. Together, they support the careful, personalised approach we want every patient to experience.

As a dentist, I want any investment in technology to have a clear purpose for the person in the chair. That might mean avoiding an uncomfortable impression, explaining a finding more clearly or having more time to listen to what matters to you.

On site CBCT imaging for a clearer view

Cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT, creates three-dimensional X-ray images of the teeth, jaws and surrounding structures. When clinically indicated, this extra detail helps us assess anatomy that can be difficult to interpret fully on a conventional two-dimensional dental X-ray.

For implant planning, a CBCT scan helps us assess the available bone and the position of structures such as nerves and sinuses. It can also be useful for selected surgical or diagnostic questions. We interpret the images alongside your examination and medical history to guide our recommendations.

Having CBCT at our Padstow practice means suitable scans can be arranged here, which can reduce the need for a separate imaging visit. CBCT uses ionising radiation and is not required for every patient. We recommend it when the additional information is justified for your care, and select the scan area and settings accordingly.

BlueSky Plan for detailed implant planning

Successful implant treatment starts with understanding how the proposed implant and replacement tooth will work together. We use BlueSky Plan software to help assess and plan implant position before surgery.

The software allows three-dimensional imaging and digital surface scans to be brought together in a virtual plan. This helps us consider the proposed implant size, position and angle in relation to the bone, nearby anatomy and intended restoration.

BlueSky Plan also supports surgical guide design. Where a guide is appropriate, it can help transfer the digital plan to the clinical procedure. The choice of technique depends on the individual case. Digital planning supports precision, while the treating dentist remains responsible for assessing the information, carrying out surgery and adapting when necessary.

For patients, these visual tools can make an implant discussion easier to follow. Seeing the area on screen helps explain why we recommend a particular approach and gives you a clearer basis for asking questions.

Medit 3D scanning for comfortable digital impressions

Our Medit intraoral scanner uses a handheld scanning tip to capture the surfaces of your teeth and gums and build a three-dimensional digital model. It uses optical imaging rather than X-rays, so it provides different information from a CBCT scan.

For suitable treatments, a digital scan can replace the traditional tray filled with impression material. This can be particularly helpful if you find impressions unpleasant or struggle with gagging. We can pause during scanning and check the captured detail on screen.

Digital impressions can support the planning and manufacture of restorations such as crowns and bridges, including suitable implant restorations. The files can be shared with the dental laboratory, helping communication between the people involved in your treatment. Some situations still call for conventional impressions or additional records.

Being able to show you the digital model also makes conversations more concrete. You can see the area we are discussing rather than trying to picture it from a verbal description alone.

Heidi AI to support notes and patient conversations

Listening carefully is central to good dental care. We use Heidi as an AI scribe to assist with capturing consultation information and preparing draft clinical notes. This can reduce the need to divide our attention between the conversation and typing.

The aim is to support complete, accurate documentation while allowing us to focus more closely on your concerns, explain your options and answer questions. AI-generated notes can contain errors or omissions, so they need clinician review and correction. The clinical team remains responsible for your records, diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Your understanding and consent matter when an AI scribe is used. Please ask how it works, how your information is handled and what alternatives are available if you would prefer not to use it. You should feel comfortable raising these questions with us.

A progressive practice with a practical purpose

Being a progressive dental surgery means continuing to examine how we work and where we can improve. We look at new technologies with patient comfort, clinical usefulness and the organisation of care in mind. Team training and thoughtful implementation are part of making those investments worthwhile.

Efficiency matters because unnecessary repetition and administrative interruptions can get in the way of a good appointment. Our aim is to simplify those steps while preserving the time needed for careful treatment and a proper conversation. The technology we choose should support that balance.

Our commitment to being a Centre of Excellence means continuing to learn, refine our methods and invest in improvements that have a meaningful role in your care. Clinical judgement, a gentle approach and clear communication remain central to that commitment.

Questions about digital dentistry

Will I need all of these technologies

No. We select the examinations, scans and planning tools that are appropriate for your needs. We will explain why a particular step is recommended and how it will help us plan your care.

Will digital technology make treatment pain free

Some technologies can make particular steps more comfortable, such as replacing an impression tray with a digital scan. Your comfort during treatment also depends on the procedure, appropriate anaesthesia and individual support. Please tell us about any worries so we can plan around them.

Explore your options at Padstow Dental

If you are considering dental implants, restorative treatment or simply want to understand your oral health better, we can explain which digital tools may be useful for you. Our focus is on helping you make informed decisions and feel comfortable with the next step.

Visit Padstow Dental at 14 Howard Road, Padstow NSW 2211, or call 02 9773 4775 to arrange an appointment.