Technology that was once reserved for medical CT scans is now being used to create realistic 3D representations of a patient’s tooth and jaw structure. Our CBCT imaging device produces all of the required volume sizes for diagnosing the maxillofacial region (your jaw bones) to the entire skull.
Using Cone Beam Computed Technology (CBCT) a large number of two dimensional x-ray images are taken from different angles. A 3-D volumetric image is then calculated from these 2-D projections, which means that the final image can be viewed at any angle. Nifty, huh? We think so, here’s why it’s great news for you.
Patient Benefits
As a patient, you won’t necessarily notice the cool factor, but you will definitely appreciate how quick and easy it is to use. Digital panoramic x-rays create a single, flat, 2D image that shows your entire mouth in a single view (including your teeth, upper and lower jaws, and surrounding structures and tissues). The detail is sufficient for many dental diagnostics, but lacks the depth and precision that’s helpful for more complex procedures.
CBCT imaging produces a 3D volumetric image which is great for more complex procedures like implant planning, root canal diagnosis, TMJ analysis, and oral surgery planning. It give us a really detailed view by comparison.
Comfort
It’s effortless and comfortable for you; there’s side entry access so it is 100% accessible to patient’s with mobility issues or claustrophobia – like you need an excuse to feel any more anxious when at the dental office, right? After all, a relaxed patient means a smoother imaging workflow and better quality information that we can work with.
Precision
It rotates around your head to capture approximately 600 distinct images, which has a considerable advantage over traditional x-rays because it decreases guesswork (something we never want to do in dentistry) and interpretation that traditional radiographs require. It’s the equivalent of looking at one of those ‘Connect the Dots’ pictures versus an HD TV.
Safety
Another benefit to our patients is that it uses incredibly low levels of radiation, and exposure time when capturing images (approximately 3 seconds). We are able to obtain ideal resolutions while maintaining patient dose levels that comply with ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle.
Dental Office Uses
So what’s it used for, just another way of taking an x-ray?
Well, not entirely. There’s a broad range of applications for CBCT imaging within the dental office, including; dental implant planning, periodontal diagnosis, TMJ (sore jaw) analysis, endodontic (root canal) diagnosis, and oral surgery planning.
We are a bunch of science geeks, so we are very excited to have this technology to use for planning dental implants, checking the health of teeth, measuring bone, and anatomy identification. It means we can assess your bone structure and soft tissue, identify any potential issues and subsequently place an implant in the best possible position for success.
Come see it for yourself!
Just give us a call at (207) 782-5308 or contact us online for more information.
