3D Imaging for Dental Implants

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. Dr. Chakalov may use this technology to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. This procedure requires little to no special preparation. Tell us if there is a possibility you are pregnant. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry at home. You may be asked to wear a gown.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Dental cone beam CT is commonly used for treatment planning of cases involving:

• accurate planning and placement of dental implants.
• surgical planning for removal of impacted teeth.
• determining bone structure and tooth orientation.
• evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity.
• detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors.
• diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
• locating the origin of pain or pathology.
• cephalometric analysis.
• reconstructive surgery.

What are the benefits vs. risks?

Benefits:

• Cone beam CT scans provide more information that conventional dental x-ray, allowing for more precise treatment planning.
• A single scan produces a wide variety of views and angles that can be manipulated to provide a more complete evaluation.
• The focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality.
• CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.
• A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone and soft tissue at the same time.
• No radiation remains in a patient’s body after a CT examination.
• X-rays used in CT scans should have no immediate side effects.

Risks:

• There is always a slight chance of cancer from excessive exposure to radiation.
• However, the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.
• CT scanning is, in general, not recommended for pregnant women unless medically necessary because of potential risk to the baby in the womb.