Our dental office uses state-of-the-art CBCT technology for every dental implant procedure. Although these dental treatments are very predictable and safe, having 3D dental imaging techniques allows us to better accommodate the best level of care. CBCT technology reduces a patient’s exposure to radiation and is similar to having a normal X-ray taken. With this technology we’re able to capture images in a matter of seconds, identifying everything inside your internal anatomy, such as teeth roots, impacted teeth, blood vessels, and other soft tissues.
Why would we want to use a cone beam CT scan instead of a traditional X-ray? Because of advantages like
- Selecting the best type and location of dental implants for your situation
- Visually being able to evaluate all of your oral anatomy before the surgery
- Locating all vital anatomical structures (nerves, tooth roots, etc.)
- Reducing the risk of dental implant complications
- Improving your comfort and reducing recovery times
Better Accuracy for Implant Surgery
Any time we’re planning a dental implant procedure, there is the choice of using a traditional X-ray or a 3D CT scan. But dental implants are a three-dimensional experience. Especially when we’re performing full mouth reconstruction across your entire smile. Cone beam CT scans give us an advantage when it comes to measuring, designing, and placing a fixed prosthesis. For people with complex oral health care needs, a CBCT machine may be the difference between wearing dentures or qualifying for a dental implant procedure.
A CBCT scan use extremely low levels of radiation and higher resolution for improved diagnostics and treatment planning
Reducing Risks During Dental Implant Procedures
As a general rule, dental implant procedures are minimally-invasive. Until more recently, an oral surgeon in a dentist’s office only had routine two-dimensional X-rays for treatment planning. That meant limited vision going into the dental implant surgery. But with a 3D CBCT scan, your dentist or oral surgeon now has better accuracy for installing the implant “digitally” well before the planned dental implant surgery. The actual implant placement is highly accurate. Especially when it comes to planning around critical anatomical features like sinus cavity linings, nerves, and blood vessels. CT scans allow us to see all of these soft tissue structures to know their exact location. That way the dental implants can be placed alongside them, without running the risk of a potential complication.
If our Kansas City implant dentist only had access to two-dimensional X-ray images, it would lengthen your implant procedure because of the exploratory nature involved. But cone beam computed tomography makes it possible to see each feature of your oral anatomy. A dentist or oral surgeon can confidently install your dental implants without guessing about where your nerves or blood vessels are positioned within the bone. Without it, complications like nerve damage or tissue perforations are more likely. The truth is, you don’t want to invest in a complex dental procedure unless your dentist offers cone beam CT scans in their office.
Maximizing Bone Quality
Some people don’t qualify for dental implants because of extensive bone loss. In those situations, bone grafting and possible sinus lift surgery are the only ways to make room to install a dental implant. Fortunately, a CT scan allows us to view your jaw bone from multiple angles. In turn, we can maximize your current bone anatomy without additional bone grafting. With the CT scan, our dentist’s office can plan precise points to install each of your dental implants in areas of good bone density.
Proper bone support and placement not only eliminates the need for grafting, but it also reduces the risk of dental implant complications or failure. Even though dental procedures are highly predictable with amazing success rates, a CT scan significantly reduces the chances of any type of complications. Plus, it nearly eliminates additional surgeries which then reduces your overall time commitment. Without it, your dental implant procedure could require up to 3-6 more months to complete.
Reduced Implant Surgery Recovery Time
When our implant center uses 3D imaging modalities, we’re able to digitally place and plan the implant procedure before the actual surgery ever takes place. This surgical planning process eliminates the guesswork of installing dental implants without being able to see below your gum tissues and into your jaw bone until the date of your surgery. By omitting guesswork, we can be more accurate in where each implant is installed. In turn, your recovery and healing process can be simpler and shorter thanks to minimally-invasive techniques. When your dentist or oral surgeon installs the dental implants, only an extremely small incision is required.
When you use 3D CBCT, your implant placement is likely to be completely painless. That means a more rapid recovery once you head back home. If you’re worried about the time off from work or your comfort in general, always seek out a dental implant provider who utilizes CBCT scan images in their office.
How a Cone Beam CT Scanner Works
Anytime you see a cone beam CT scanner, it looks similar to other digital panoramic equipment used in the dental industry. Anyone who has had dental procedures completed in the last 10 years has probably had a panoramic film taken of their face and jaw bone. But with cone beam computer tomography, the CBCT machine captures everything with 3D imaging instead of two-dimensional data. The single scan is taken right here in our implant center and is almost identical to taking other X-ray images of your full mouth. The only difference is the 3D CBCT equipment can produce images with added layers, including soft tissues like your nerves. Once the high-quality images are transferred into our diagnostic imaging software, we’re able to rotate and view them from multiple angles.
Kansas City Dental Implant Imaging
Our Leawood dental practice offers advanced imaging techniques for every dental implant procedure we perform. To learn more about the incredible benefits of 3D CBCT technology or to find out if dental implants are right for you, call Gordon Dental Implants & Cosmetics today to request a consultation.