CBCT/3D Imaging in Newark and Bear - Christiana Pleasant Dental

CBCT/3D Imaging

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a special type of x-ray technology used when regular dental or 2 dimensional x-rays are not sufficient. At our practice we use this technology to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, and upper and lower jaws in a single scan.

CBCT technology is very important in diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD), sinus and jaw tumors and infections, locating the origin of dental pain or pathology, and mapping nerves and blood vessels for the accurate placement of dental implants.

There are many benefits to using CBCT technology in a dental practice. A single scan produces a wide variety of views and angles of the teeth, jaw and soft tissues that can be manipulated and analyzed to provide a more complete evaluation of the patient. Cone beam CT scans provide more information that conventional dental x-ray, allowing for more precise treatment planning. CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and extremely accurate. A major advantage of CT is its ability to image bone and soft tissue at the same time.

At Christiana Pleasant Dental we use it for guided implant surgery, where the entire surgical procedure is preplanned on CT first. Based on the plan, we generate a 3D printed surgical guide. The entire surgery is done through the guide which makes placing implants much safer and faster than ever before.

We can even magnify one tooth on a CBCT to evaluate how many nerve canals are inside that tooth. This helps us to accurately and efficiently root canal teeth that sometimes have hidden nerves or canals in them. Missed nerve canals are the most common cause of root canal failure.

When extracting teeth, we can evaluate pre-surgery, how close the teeth are to nerves, blood vessels and the sinus cavity. This allows us to inform the patient, before-hand, of the risks and benefits of the procedure and prepare ahead of time for potential complications.

CBCT technology has been a game changer at our practice and is currently one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in dentistry!