3D Dental Imaging

Standard 2-dimensional dental x-rays are essential tools in oral care, but there are times when a greater level of detail is needed. Because of our insistence on the highest standard of care, we may specify the use of three-dimensional imaging before your treatment planning. 

The equipment that provides this kind of detailed image is called a cone beam computed tomography machine. Tomography is a type of imaging that uses cross-sections of the human body using x-rays or ultrasound. The combination of tomography with a computer means that hundreds of these cross-section images are reassembled into a three-dimensional representation of the structures inside your face, head, and neck. This equipment uses low dose x-ray in a cone-shaped beam to do the imaging. The abbreviation for this type of imaging is CBCT. 

These images allow us to get an incredibly precise look at just what is going on inside your mouth, inside your jaw, and even inside your teeth. This may be needed before oral surgery, extractions, placement of dental implants or other treatments. With this scan, we can also detect tumors and see the exact placement of nerves in your mouth and jaw. It is vital that we avoid damaging or interfering with any of your nerves when performing oral surgery or extraction. 

When we have your completed CBCT scan, we can exactly assess the bone quality around your teeth. We can also see the extent of any tooth decay, and we can clearly assess the areas surrounding trouble spots so we can avoid disturbing them while treating areas in need of help.

There’s actually a wide variety of dental conditions that we can treat more precisely when we have these images. CBCT scans are the most sophisticated and exact types of images available in the dental industry. We are proud to be able to offer this imaging to our patients. Having the most advanced dental technology available is essential if we are to maintain the highest possible standards of patient care. 

When placing dental implants or detecting infections inside teeth, jaw bone or facial bone, CBCT scans are essential. If you are to have any kind of oral surgery, this imaging lets our expert oral surgeon do your treatment planning with great accuracy. If you suffer from the temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), our oral surgeon is likely to request a CBCT scan to be able to precisely diagnose the problem. A CBCT scan also helps us plan the fastest and most efficient path for orthodontic treatment.