Method of volume scanning

A method for volume scanning of both hard tissues (126) and gingival tissues (122) of a patient is proposed. The method includes comprising the steps of using an impression (84) of a material visible in a volume scan, generating a volume scan in which hard tissue (126) is visible and said impression (84) is visible, and gingival tissue (122) being represented as the space between the visible hard tissue (126) and the visible impression (84). The volume scan includes a surgical site (162) to receive an ablation probe tip (108). The results of the step of generating a volume scan are provided for the purpose of manufacturing a custom surgical stent (110) having at least one surgical guide (112) for guiding placement of an ablation probe tip (108). The results comprise information representing said gingival tissue (126) and said hard tissue (126).