CBCT 3D Imaging

Technology in dentistry, like technology in general falls under a few categories.  Some innovations allow us to do things quicker and more predictably.  A great example of this is our Isolight system that we sometimes use to help with suction and giving you something to rest your jaw on instead of having to stay open.  Some technologies allow things to be done faster, but not necessarily better.  Offices that offer crowns in a day have jumped onto this technology.  CEREC crowns are becoming a popular option in many offices due to the fact they eliminate the temporary crown stage and having your definitive crown placed the same day the tooth is worked on.  This technology is one we haven't adopted yet and doesn't improve the final crown (there are definitely plusses and minuses to the system).  Another type of technology is one that allows us to do things we have not been able to do before in our office.  We are very excited to be adding a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scanner to our office.

What is CBCT?

A CBCT machine is a 3D imaging system that captures data by rotating around the patient and taking images then reconstructs these to form a 3D representation of the patient’s teeth and jaws.
The radiation level from a dental CBCT scan is very low, and significantly lower than medical type CT scans.  CBCT scans do not replace the need for traditional x-rays and you may never need a scan.  

Uses of CBCT in Dentistry

The volume of data we get from this technology allows for a wealth of possibilities in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Some of the uses we’re most excited about:

• Diagnosis of infection/source of discomfort- Traditional radiographs are limited by two dimensions.  We have been bound by films that are burdened with overlapping structures, distortion and lack of comfort.  
• Implant Placement- 3D imaging allows us to know much more accurately where the bone is compared to a 2D image.  By having a representation that is this accurate, we can combine with other models and impressions and have guided surgery for implant placement.  This is the dental equivalent of endoscopic surgery.  Many times we can place these implants without any need for sutures and very minimal post op recovery.

Adding the right technology at the right time...

For diagnosing cavities and periodontal (gum and bone disease), our digital radiographs that we have been taking are still top of the line and you will continue to receive these films as needed.  Many of our patients will not need a 3D scan.  However, those patients who have missing teeth and are interested in implants, patients who have had those "phantom" pains that have not been able to be visualized on 2D imaging, those needing extractions, especially of wisdom teeth and those who have had numerous root canals that haven't felt right you may find use of the new technology we are STOKED to be adding to our practice.  By allowing use to see what we would otherwise be unable to see, by allowing us to limit complications by knowing and utilizing what information was hidden and by having at our hands the power to show and teach by having a model and image that people can see and understand we are convinced in the power of this technology.