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When undertaking complex treatments such as dental implants, the dentist will want to know what lies beneath the surface of
your gums and teeth, this is where a CT scan is of utmost importance.
CT stands for computerized tomography, the CBCT (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography) scanner is a specially designed machine that uses x-rays in a cone beam, typically used for medical imaging.
A CT scan creates a series of x-ray images with superior image quality, these images are then pieced together using advanced computerized technology to form a series of slices. Your dentist can then view the internal structures of your head, face and neck in 3 dimensions and with a high degree of accuracy.
A CBCT scanner, such as the ones used in dentistry typically emit a lower level of radiation than the larger scale CT scans found in your hospital outpatient department.
Your dentist will be able to accurately plot the location of the bony structures around your face, nasal cavity and sinuses. This allows the dental team to evaluate any ongoing disease and also to plan for surgical treatments.
Much of the work done by the dentists revolves around getting an accurate diagnosis of the problem. Unless accurate diagnosis is done, the treatment will not be beneficial. That is why dentistry has relied so much on X-Ray images to identify dental problems. Despite the benefits of these X-Rays, they can be inadequate. They fail to give clear images of all parts of the mouth. This can be dangerous since the hidden mouthparts might be infected without the dentist’s knowledge.
The main difference between a CT scan and a standard dental x-ray is that a CT scan gives a 3D image. This means the dentist can look around and inside the entire tooth, jawbone, and even the patient’s airway. CT scans are important in helping to diagnose various dental conditions and aid in treatment planning.
Who might need a dental CT scan?
These are a few indications for getting a 3D scan:
• Patients who need or have had bone grafting and plan on having dental implants placed.
• Patients who have had complications with root canals or need an evaluation of a tooth for a root canal treatment.
• Patients who have trouble sleeping, who snore, and could possibly have sleep apnea.
Why is a CT scan important?
• Knowing the exact shape and dimensions of the jaw bone helps your dentist to be more precise in dental implant surgery.
• Seeing exactly where an infection lies can give your dentist information about whether a tooth is broken beyond repair, or what can be done to help it heal.
• Sleep apnea is a disorder related to several medical conditions including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
• Dentists can diagnose abnormal lesions that can indicate serious bone cancers, tumors, and cysts.
What are the benefits of a dental CT scan?
Reveals everything in the mouth
Nothing is hidden. The scan captures every part of the mouth using different angles and views. Thus, the dentist will have a better view and idea of what is happening in the mouth of the patient.
Bone and soft image tissue
The CT scan is more effective than traditional X-Ray imaging. The typical dental X-Ray was used to capture images of the jawbone and teeth. However, the CT scan provides more details. The scan captures details of the teeth, bones and soft tissues in a single scan. Thus, dentists have a complete view of every part in one image.
It is quick
The CT scan is very quick. For a full mouth scan, the imaging process is likely to take 20 to 40 seconds. A scan targeting a specific part will take less than 10 seconds. The imaging process takes a short time but it is very effective.
Controlled radiation
The CT scan uses radiation. Exposure to radiation is one of the causes of cancerous growth. That is why most people believe that the equipment is risky. When a small amount of radiation is used, it does not have negative effects. The CT scan equipment gives dentists the ability to control radiation. This helps in reducing the risk of getting cancer, making the equipment a safer alternative.
How to prepare for a dental CT scan
There is very little preparation required for a dental CT scan. The dentist will need to have a clear view of the head, face and neck during the scan. Any item which could interfere with the image needs to be removed, this includes:
• Earrings
• Tongue, nose or other facial piercings
• Necklaces
• Glasses
• Hearing aids
• Hair clips or pins
• Removable dental appliances
What will happen during the CT scan?
Unlike outpatient CT scans at a hospital where the patient lies down, a dental scan is usually done with the patient standing. The patient simply stands in a marked area in front of the scanner, holds onto the bars in front and then guides will be put in place to hold the head stationary. The scanner then rotates around the head taking a whole series of images which the software then rearranges into a 3-D x-ray. The whole process takes only a few minutes and is completely non-invasive.
What are the risks of a dental CT scan?
Dental Cone Beam CT scan is a far lower radiation dose than conventional CT scans that one would receive in the hospital. They do however have a higher level of x-ray radiation than one would usually receive from a standard x-ray. The dentist will therefore try to keep the number of scans to a minimum.
It is worth noting that older patients (patients over 60) have a lower risk of radiation exposure as their older teeth are less sensitive to the effects.
Patients who are pregnant should notify the dentist so that modifications or alternate arrangements can be made.
PARK Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
690 Goodlette-Frank Rd. N.
239-330-4208
