What is Cone Beam CT 3D Imaging?

Physicians have relied on computerized axial tomography scans (CAT) for many years. CAT scans are an X-ray procedure that uses many different X-ray images with the help of computers to generate cross-sectional or even three dimensional (3D) views of internal organs and structures within the body. A knee replacement surgery, for example, would never be performed without first examining 3D imaging.

More recently however, new technology has been developed that provides 3D imaging at a greatly reduced radiation exposure and cost compared to medical CAT scans. This technology is called Cone Beam CT and dentists have begun to rely on these 3D imaging techniques to provide them with a detailed view of the mouth and skull. The advantage that 3D imaging holds over regular dental x-rays is that bone structure, bone density, tissues, and nerves can be viewed clearly.

Cone Beam CT scans can be completed in less than half a minute. This means that far less radiation enters the body than if a regular set of bitewing X-rays were taken. The main use for CT scans is as an aid to plan dental implant treatment and other oral surgery.

CT scans and Dental implants

Dental implants are the most sophisticated replacement for missing teeth, but have historically proven to be time-consuming to place. CT scans vastly reduce the time it takes to place implants due to the ability of the dentist to see the anatomy of the implant site before any surgery is done and to plan accordingly.

How does the CT scan help our Staff?

It allows our staff to:

• Visualize internal anatomy that can not be diagnosed externally
• Plan treatment and surgery, including Implants
• Prepare necessary aids
• Assess risk and possible pathology and disease
• Analyze the position and orientation of critical structures, like nerves, teeth roots, previous implants, the sinuses and nose, and airway passages

How are Cone Beam CT scans used?

CT scans are advantageous because they allow the dentist to magnify specific areas of the face. In addition, the dentist can easily view cross-sectional “slices” of the jaw, which makes planning treatment easier and faster.

Here are some of the main ways in which CT scans are used in dentistry:

• Assess the quality of the jawbone where the implant will be placed.
• Determine where nerves are located.
• Diagnose tumors and disease in the early stages.
• Measure the density of the jawbone where the implant will be placed.
• Pinpoint the most effective placement for implants, including the angle of best fit.
• Plan the complete surgical procedure in advance, from start to finish.
• Precisely decide on the appropriate size and type of implants.
• View exact orientation and position of each tooth.
• View impacted teeth.

How are Cone Beam CT scans performed?

CT scans are quick and simple to perform. A Cone Beam Imaging System is at the heart of the scanner. During the scan, the patient stands or sits stationary on a designated seat. The cone beams are used to take literally hundreds of pictures of the face. These pictures are used to compile an exact 3D image of the inner mechanisms of the face and jaw. The dentist is able to zoom in on specific areas and view them from alternate angles.

Additionally, the scanner provides an open environment, meaning that claustrophobic feelings associated with medical CT scanners are eliminated. The cone beam CT scan is an incredible tool that is minimizing the cost of dental treatment, reducing treatment time and enhancing the end results of dental surgery.

Is it painful?

No, the Galileos CBCT scan process is completely painless.

Why a CBCT scanner rather than a regular Medical CT scanner?

• X-Ray Radiation exposure to the patient is up 10 times less than a regular CT scanner.
• Much faster scan time. Scan on a CBCT takes between 10-40 sec, while on a regular CT scanner it takes a few minutes.
• Cheaper, average price of a CBCT scan could be up to 50% less than a regular MDCT scan.

What are the benefits versus risk?

Benefits

• Unlike regular x-rays CT scans can discriminate between many types of tissue including bone, teeth, nerves and soft tissue.
• CT scans are noninvasive, and can eliminate the need for exploratory surgery in some cases.
• CT can identify the effects of conditions such as infection and tumors.
• A cost effective tool for imaging a wide range of clinical problems.

Risks
In a dosimetry study conducted by Dr. Ludlow (2007) of the University of South Carolina the Sirona Galileos has the lowest radiation dose of any cone beam machine on the market. One scan is compared to about 8 days of normal background radiation. This doesn’t even mean 8 days exposed in the sun but only 8 days of normal radiation by simply living on the planet earth. As a comparison, a full mouth series of x-rays taken in a dental office using old technology x-ray films (not digital x-rays) is equivalent to 47 days of background radiation. As with all imaging modalities that use ionizing radiation, the use of CBCT does involve a consideration of risk to the patient. However, it has the benefit of providing useful information needed to assist in making a diagnosis and/or in facilitating treatment. When your doctor refers you for an x-ray examination, he has made the determination that the benefit outweighs the risk. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether to undergo the examination. Bear in mind that the risk of most x-ray examinations are much less than other risks we commonly accept in daily life.

When you wake up in the morning, do you experience pain in your jaw joint? Do you have difficulty opening or closing your mouth? Do you have sensitivity in your teeth or do they look shorter? Do you get routine headaches? These could be clear signs of grinding or bruxing. If un-controlled, you can damage your jaw joint, your teeth or any dental work you have received from your dentist.

Reasons For Grinding
The exact reason for grinding is still unknown but there are some factors that are associated with this problem such as:

• Stress and anxiety
• Drug abuse
• Excess use of Caffeine
• Smoking
• Excess use of alcohol
• Some prescription medication
• Mal-Occlusion or miss-bite
• And finally some disorders such as:
• Parkinsons disease

There is currently no cure for bruxing but it can be controlled. If you grind your teeth during the day or at night, your dentist will recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from these grinding forces.  A night guard is a plastic cover that fits over your teeth to deflect the hard forces of chewing. Night guards will also increase the longevity of your dental work.

Night Guard Treatment
During the first visit your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This impression is then sent to a dental laboratory where a custom-fit night guard is made.
On your second visit your dentist will show you how to place it into your mouth and will adjust it to your bite. There are different kinds of night guards from soft materials to harder plastic materials. Your dentist will recommend you the material best suited for you.

Dental prevention is just as important for children as it is for adults. Having a child start going to the dentist at an early age and regularly is a very important step in a lifetime of preventative dentistry. A typical program for children contains many steps, both in and out of the dental office.

These steps include:

1. Brushing, flossing and oral habits.
2. Application of fluorides and sealants.
3. Monitoring the child’s dental development.
4. Sports safety.
5. Parent involvement and proper diet.

A healthy smile in a child can be maintained using preventative dentistry. Children with healthy teeth chew their food properly, and learn to talk more clearly and quickly. Preventative dentistry also minimizes future costly and extensive dental treatment for your child.

During your child’s visit to the dentist, his or her teeth will be carefully examined and any dental issues diagnosed and treated. If necessary, the dentist will apply fluoride treatment and dental sealants to help protect the teeth from tooth decay. The dentist will also address any orthodontics concerns.

Tooth cleaning, fluoride and polishing are just a few parts of an entire prevention program for children. A pediatric dentist will also provide the application of dental sealants where necessary to protect children’s teeth from decay, custom fit mouth guards to protect the teeth and mouth when playing in sports, and monitor your child’s dental development as she or he grows. A pediatric dentist is specifically trained to create a combination of home and office preventative care to make sure a child maintains a healthy, happy smile.