CBCT Scanning: 3D Imaging Dental Technology
Allentown, PA
 Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) is the latest bony imaging technology that is present in both our offices. 2D imaging that is conventionally taken in dental offices can often miss pathology such as cysts/tumors and important anatomical structures. This 3D x-ray takes about 12 seconds to develop and renders a detailed 3D model of the patient’s jaws and teeth. It allows the Surgeon to precisely calculate the bone width and height present as well as evaluate critical structures such as sinus cavities and nerves. This means more accurate and predictable implant surgery for the patient with fewer complications. All the implants in our office are placed with this latest technology. The 3D rendering also allows our Doctors to fabricate custom implants such as cheekbone/chin as well as custom drilling stents using 3D printers for more accurate and less invasive surgery.
Your mouth is made up of multiple different components that work together to enable you to perform a wide array of essential daily tasks. When complications with your oral health arise, it is important to seek treatment immediately. To accurately diagnose your issues and provide you with the most effective treatments available, we need to perform a thorough oral exam. Visually examining your teeth and other visible oral structures only show us a part of the situation, however. To gain a full picture of your oral health, we also need to see the hidden components of your mouth as well. At Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we can do just that with CBCT scanning.
What is a CBCT Scan?
CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography. The CBCT machine uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam that rotates a full 360 degrees around your head to capture a 3D image of the structures in your mouth, including soft tissue, bone, teeth, joints, and nerves. The machine captures multiple images as it rotates, anywhere from 150 to 600 in the less than one minute the scan takes to complete. These images are pieced together and produce a single 3D image on a computer monitor. CBCT technology uses technology similar to digital X-rays while the image produced is more like images produced by a CT scan.
Providing You with a More Accurate Diagnosis
Almost immediately following the completion of your scan, a 3D image is displayed on a computer monitor, ready for reading. Using specialized software, we can then manipulate the image in a variety of ways. We can rotate the image to see your mouth from multiple angles. We are also able to zoom in on different areas of your mouth and enhance the image for clarity. This allows us to see the tiniest details that we might not otherwise be able to see. The coloration of the image can also be changed to help us better spot different issues. All of these features allow us to provide you with a more accurate, more thorough diagnosis.
Using CBCT scanning, we can diagnose issues such as:| • |
Impacted teeth.
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Tooth infections.
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Deformities in the facial skeleton.
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Jaw tumors.
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TMJ disorder.
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Bone loss in your jaw. |
Formulating Effective Treatment Plans
With a complete picture of your mouth and more accurate diagnosis, we are then better equipped to provide you with a much more effective treatment plan. CBCT scanning can be used for:| • |
Evaluating the alignment of your teeth and jaw.
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Determining optimal placement for dental implants.
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Determining the need for a bone graft before receiving dental implants.
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Locating nerves in your jaw so that we can avoid them during implant surgery.
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Assessing your sinus cavities and determining the need for a sinus lift.
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Planning TMJ treatments.
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Planning treatment to remove tumors in your jaw and ensuring that they are removed completely. |
How is a CBCT Scan Done?
CBCT scanning is quick and painless. Before undergoing your scan, you will need to remove any metal jewelry and hair accessories as well as glasses and hearing aids. When you sit down on at the chair, you will be instructed to place your chin on the chin rest so that we can make any necessary adjustments. When we are ready, we click a button, and the cone beam begins to rotate. While it takes less than 60 seconds to rotate around your head, it is important that you remain completely still. Shortly after taking the scan, an image of your mouth will appear on the monitor.
Benefits of a CBCT Scan
CBCT scanning provides multiple benefits.| • |
The scan takes less than 60 seconds and it is completely painless.
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We are provided with a high-quality 3D image of your mouth that provides an exact one to one measurements.
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Specialized software lets us see your mouth from multiple angles and see the smallest details.
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CBCT scanning uses less radiation than traditional CT scans. |
With CBCT scanning, we can more accurately diagnose a wide array of oral health issues and provide much more effective treatment plans to restore the health of your mouth. For more information about CBCT scanning, call Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at (610) 435-6161 today. |
