Our office has recently integrated cone-beam computerized tomography,  or CBCT, as part of our patient care, and everyone  LOVES the new technology!  Not only does it provide a  more accurate picture of  the teeth and mouth than  a traditional x-ray, but it  is easy and comfortable,  especially if you are in pain or have sore teeth and gums  and have difficulty biting  down on a traditional x-ray  sensor.  

CBCT scans useradiation just as traditional  x-rays do, but the newer  CBCTs deliver the same or  even less radiation than many of the older x-ray units  and provide much higher  resolution images. After just  a few seconds of scanning, over 150 images are taken and assembled to create a single 3D picture.  

With all of this information gathered in a single scan, a CBCT scan is a quick and easy way to get a complete understanding of  every part of your mouth.  

The images created by a CBCT can show bone,  airway, and soft tissue as  well as teeth and any dental  work you may have. It can  be beneficial in obtaining a  better overall view of your  entire mouth, jaw, nasal,  and/or throat areas. CBCT  can be helpful in detecting  tooth decay, bone loss,  facial and tooth fractures,  infections, abnormal growths, TMJ and airway  issues, the location of nerves, and irregularities.  With a 3-D image, things  are seen that simply can  not be detected on a 2-D  x-ray. These images can help  spot problems before they  become severe issues and so  that we can determine how  best to treat them. 

As with any radiographic technique,  it is important to monitor radiation dosage over time.  CBCT images should be taken conservatively when needed, but with today’s  new and improved CBCTs,  you can rest easy knowing  that the amount of radiation emitted is fairly low.  

THE BENEFITS OF SEEING IN 3-D 1Dr. Cristi Cheek is the owner of Cheek Dental here in East Cobb. You may contact her at 770-993-3775 or visit www.cheekdental.com

Article written by Cheek Dental.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2872 Johnson Ferry Road • 770-993-3775 • www.cheekdental.com