Why I Built an In-House Digital Lab in My Oral Surgery Practice (And What I Wish I Knew Sooner)

If you’ve ever waited weeks for a lab to return a prosthetic—or worse, had to send it back—you know the pain of outsourcing. That’s one reason I decided to bring a full digital lab directly into my oral surgery practice. But while the benefits are clear, the road getting there was anything but smooth.

This post is for any dental or surgical provider considering going digital—especially if you're thinking of managing it in-house.

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✅ The Benefits of an In-House Digital Lab

1. Faster Turnaround Times

We’re able to reduce treatment delays, especially for full-arch implant cases. Same-day or next-day prosthetics are now a reality.

2. Total Control Over Quality

We don’t cross our fingers and hope the case comes back right—we verify every step from scan to print.

3. Seamless Team Communication

Designers, techs, and surgical staff collaborate in real time. No more playing phone tag with third-party labs.

4. Reduced Patient Costs

This often gets overlooked: by eliminating lab markups, shipping, and remake costs, we contain our overhead—and pass the savings to our patients.

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⚠️ The Challenges (That No One Warns You About)

1. High Upfront Costs

CBCT, scanners, 3D printers, and software licenses add up. So does the cost of remodeling space and hiring skilled technicians.

2. Physical Office Space

Digital labs need room. We had to carve out dedicated space with climate controls, clean zones, and proper ventilation.

3. Staffing and Training

Technicians with the right mix of dental and digital skills are hard to find. Building the right team takes time—and patience.

4. Workflow Development

From scan to final restoration, every workflow must be tested, adjusted, and streamlined. It’s not plug-and-play.

5. Maintenance & Downtime

Machines break. Printers clog. Software updates crash. You’ll need tech support—and backup plans.

6. Time Management

Running a digital lab means you’re not just a clinician anymore. You’re also managing inventory, staff, timelines, and troubleshooting.

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💡 Final Thoughts: Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely. The ability to deliver faster, more precise, and more affordable care has transformed my practice. We’ve gained a level of control and confidence that simply wasn’t possible with third-party labs.

But if you're thinking of taking this on, go in with your eyes open. Budget for the unexpected. Invest in your people. And expect a learning curve.

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