How to Write a Clear Dental Lab Prescription

The prescription is the one document that travels with every case. When it is complete, we can start work the day the case arrives. When something is missing, we stop and call, and the case waits. Most of the delays and remakes we see trace back to a detail that was clear in the dentist's mind but never made it onto the Rx. Here is what we look for.

The basics every Rx needs

Start with the information that identifies the case and the people behind it:

• Doctor name, practice name, phone and license number
• Patient name or identifier, and age or sex if relevant to the case
• Tooth numbers for every unit
• Type of restoration for each tooth: crown, bridge, veneer, inlay, onlay, implant crown, guard
• Your signature and the date

It sounds obvious, but a missing tooth number or an unclear bridge span is one of the most common reasons we pick up the phone.

Specify the material

Write the material you want, not just "crown." Zirconia, e.max, PFM or another option each changes how we approach the case. If you choose PFM, include the alloy type. If you are unsure, write "lab to advise" and we will call to discuss. Our comparison of zirconia vs. e.max crowns can help with that decision.

Note any preferences on monolithic versus layered restorations, especially in the esthetic zone.

Shade and stump shade

Record shade in a consistent way:

• Target shade, including the shade system you used
• Stump shade, especially for translucent materials, discolored teeth, metal posts or cores
• Characterization notes, such as incisal translucency, halos, white spots or cervical chroma
• Photos with a shade tab held in the same plane as the tooth

For difficult anterior shades, consider a custom shading consultation at our lab or in your office.

Contacts, occlusion and margins

Tell us how you want the restoration to function and seat:

• Proximal contacts. Light, standard or heavy, based on your preference.
• Occlusion. Normal contact, light contact or out of occlusion, and any notes on guidance.
• Limited clearance. Whether we may reduce the opposing tooth, use a metal occlusal, or should call first.
• Margin design. Especially for PFM, note metal collar or porcelain margin.

Implant details

Implant cases need extra information. Include:

1. Implant system, platform and size
2. Screw-retained or cement-retained
3. Abutment preference: stock, custom, titanium or zirconia
4. Scan body used, for digital cases
5. Any notes on tissue contour or emergence profile

We follow the implant manufacturer's instructions for use for every component. Learn more about our implant restorations.

Due dates and attachments

Write the date you need the case back, and note the patient's seat appointment. Most cases take 8 to 9 business days in the lab. If you need it sooner, call us. Rush service is often possible, but we need to know at the start.

Anything that clarifies your intent belongs with the case:

• Photos of the preparation, the smile and the shade tab
• Pre-op models, scans or a diagnostic wax-up
• Opposing arch and bite registration
• Notes on provisionals that the patient likes

For digital cases, send scans and photos together to dentalcreationscad@gmail.com. Our guide to sending digital scans to a dental lab covers the details.

Use our forms

Our fillable dental lab prescription form includes fields for each item above, so nothing gets skipped. You can also use our online form to submit a case with files attached. Every case is personally inspected before it leaves our Revere lab, and a complete Rx helps us get it right the first time.

If you are unsure how to write up a case, call us at 781.853.0777, or submit a case online.