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Cone Beam Imaging

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3-D Advanced Dental Imaging

We use the I-CAT Cone Beam CT machine made by Imaging sciences, an American company and the leader in this technology.  This digital x-ray scanner is specifically designed for the head and jaws.  The scanner rotates 360 degrees around the patients head in just 8.5 seconds, taking up to 600 axial slices of the anatomy.  Nothing has to go into the mouth, making this a faster more comfortable appointment for our patients.  A conventional panoramic x-ray provides a 2-dimensional image, and all panoramic x-rays are distorted 12%.  The Cone Beam CT scan provides a 3-dimensional, high resolution, true size image of the patient’s anatomy, distortion free, with a fraction of the radiation medical CAT scans generate (50 usv vs. 400 usv) .  This digital record of our patients head and neck anatomy can be used for better diagnosis, treatment planning, and treatment execution for our patients.  We have diagnosed in just the “short time” we have been using this technology life saving airway obstruction and calcifications within the carotid arteries. 

Benefits of Cone Beam

Implant Placement:  Because there is no distortion of the image it allows for improved selection of implant size and type, as well as correct angle and depth of the placement.  These images also allow direct one-to-one measurements of alveolar nerve (mandible) and maxillary sinus positions.

Extractions:  Third molars (wisdom teeth) especially are located close to the alveolar nerve (mandible) and maxillary sinuses. Knowing 3-dimensionally the relationship between the tooth and these important anatomical structures reduces surprises and enables the doctor to plan better and provide a more complete informed consent.

Impactions/Supernumerary Teeth:  We can now localize these teeth live never before.  This not only aids in exposure or in planning extraction, but allows the orthodontist to plan mechanics properly to avoid damage to adjacent teeth.  With conventional 2-D radiography these teeth are to often obstructed and superimposed making their exact location difficult or impossible to determine.

Endodontic Treatment:  Cone beam images are very helpful in finding an elusive extra canal, Identifying a mesial/distal  fracture line or evaluating root canal treatment and finding an unusual root anatomical feature.  Exact measurement of the canal length, Shape, and number of canals can be made prior to starting the root canal greatly simplifying treatment.

Sinus/Airway Studies:  Cone beam scans allow for visualization and volumetric measurement of the entire airway from the nasal and oral entrances to the laryngeal spaces.   All the sinuses are able to be evaluated in all 3 planes of space.

TMD:  3-D cone beam is ideal for evaluation of the bony changes within the TMjoints.  With these images, it is now possible to easily evaluate differences in condylar anatomy in all dimensions, as well as position of the condyles in the fossa.

Informed Refusal

Please take a few moments to read this powerful article relating to 3D digital imaging and the “Standard of Care”. This article is credible for multiple reasons: 1) It was published in the peer-reviewed California Dental Association Journal in September, 2009, and 2) Both authors are highly respected in the US and are considered experts on the topic. Link to download

If you DO NOT wish to proceed with the recommended 3D radiographic scan, please download, sign and submit our Informed Refusal Form.

Refer a Patient

To refer a patient to our practice for Cone Beam Imaging, please submit our referral form.

News Letters

  • CBCT News Letter-September 2011 - [PDF]

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