WE BELIEVE THAT AN ADEQUATE THERAPY HAS TO BE BASED ON ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS.
Our patients can expect state-of-the-art diagnostic technology at our clinic. The diagnostic equipment available at our dental clinic do not only speed up treatments, but also make them more comfortable, better predictable, and above all, safer – whether they are planned or acutely necessary.
EXAMINATION EQUIPMENT ON SITE
- X-ray
- Panoramic X-ray
- 3D CBCT
- State-of-the-art technology at our dental clinic!
X-rays and panoramic X-rays don’t need to be introduced, but the options offered by the state-of-the-art 3D CBCT (Cone Beam CT) technology are worth knowing.
ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC POSSIBILITIES WITH STATE-OF-THE-ART 3D CBCT DENTAL DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT
In order to obtain the clearest and most detailed picture of our patients’ teeth and jaws without unnecessary exposure to radiation, we offer scans by a 3D CBCT (model 1737 Morita Veraviewepocs 3D R100 CP) device to complete the full scope of digital diagnostics at our clinic. This device is a huge help in all areas of our work, whether we need to examine a focal infection, a TMJ complaint, carry out a simple tooth extraction, an orthodontic process, a root canal treatment, oral or periodontal surgery, or a larger scale implant procedure.
3D CBCT is a special digital X-ray imaging technology developed specifically for dental clinics to allow better inspection of the jawbones and teeth. It’s greatest advantage over traditional panoramic X-rays is offering a much more detailed, undistorted image of the region examined.
The advanced technology behind CBCT uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to take a series of two-dimensional pictures, which are then converted into a three-dimensional image by a computer program.
The imaging is still done with traditional X-ray, but the exposure is very low, with a radiation dose of less than 1-5% of that emitted by CT equipment used in general healthcare.
The images produced by CBCT are accurate to tenths of a millimeter, they are not distorted or curved, like panoramic X-rays often are. They give dentists a much more exact picture of the real anatomy of the client. Measurements can also be taken exactly to the millimeter from the images. But that’s not the only novelty from this technology.
The CT scan can also measure bone density, which is extremely useful in the planning phase of implant procedures. These diagnostic options also help in the detection of focal infections or hidden dental lesions such as tissue changes caused by inflammatory processes.
ADVANTAGES OF 3D CBCT IMAGING
Lower radiation dose
The greatest advantage of 3D CBCT imaging over conventional CT scans is giving a perfect, scaled image of the oral cavity and the structures within to dentists, oral surgeons, implantologists and periodontists, thereby allowing them to prepare a thorough and safe treatment plan, while exposing the client only to a significantly lower dose of radiation.
High-detail images in the best resolution
In modern dentistry, the two-dimensional image of a panoramic x-ray is often not enough for diagnosis, implant placement, assessment of teeth’s position related to the maxillary sinus, detection of inflamed regions and size of cysts, evaluation of anatomical structures, and detection of diseases. That is why it’s necessary to obtain and evaluate a CBCT image.
Better options for precise planning: the 3D software allows us to plan the implant placement immediately after the scan was taken. This kind of scan is therefore essential before implantation, to allow us to select the right size and type of implant, and to carefully plan the insertion angle and location of the implant.
CBCT TECHNOLOGY CAN SUPPORT A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS IN MANY DIFFERENT SITUATIONS
During control/check-up appointments, during search for of focal infection
Scans by a CBCT equipment can be used for a wide range of dental complaints, before routine surgeries, because it can improve the options for an accurate diagnosis and thereby the effectiveness of the chosen therapy route.
Before tooth extraction, it can help to reveal the nerve channels and neural pathways. For example, it can detect the damage of a wisdom tooth with irregular roots before it is removed, thereby minimizing the risk of complications which could manifest later on. But it also makes it easier to find a piece of broken root or foreign body that is still inside the tissues.
In the planning phase of implant procedures
This technology also enables the process of navigational implant placement, where a 3D program is used to plan and position the implant. The so-called “face-scan” option even allows us to display the patient’s face on the CBCT scan, to give an impression of the final result. It allows us to control the healing process of previous bone grafting, and to assess whether the bone has already grown to the required amount.
In the planning phase of implant procedures
This technology also enables the process of navigational implant placement, where a 3D program is used to plan and position the implant. The so-called “face-scan” option even allows us to display the patient’s face on the CBCT scan, to give an impression of the final result. It allows us to control the healing process of previous bone grafting, and to assess whether the bone has already grown to the required amount.
Endodontics
Root canal treatment of unusually shaped roots can be carried out much more precisely using CBCT, because it’s almost impossible to obtain a precise enough picture of these with two-dimensional imaging technology. CBCT is the only way to assess the adequateness of previously sealed root fillings, while it also allows us to examine any damage to the root canal tooth.
Orthodontics
The equipment can also obtain the lateral X-ray images required for orthodontic treatment (the so-called “cephalometric” X-rays).
It can be used for exploring and assessing problems and complaints of the jawbone in case of suspected TMJ (temporo-mandibular joint) issues.
THE EXAMINATION PROCESS
The equipment itself is similar to a panoramic X-ray machine and requires similar preparations.
- We inform our patients about the procedure and give them the necessary instructions before starting scanning. All metal accessories, jewellery and dentures with metal parts must be taken out. The patient needs to put on a lead vest to protect the rest of the body.
- The scan takes about 40-60 seconds which you can spend in a comfortable, sitting position.
- It is important to remain perfectly still during the scan to obtain an image which can be assessed accurately later. Otherwise, the resulting image can be blurry, which means the scan has to be repeated.
- As a first step, we take a small image with a radiation emission of only 5% compared to the dose of a panoramic X-ray.
On request, you can have your imaging results on a USB stick or in a downloadable format from a link provided for 1 month.