Technology has made every facet of our lives easier. In dentistry, the computers and machines we see have completely changed the way we enhance our patients’ smiles.
Recently cone beam 3D imaging came onto the stage. Let’s explore this tool a little more and find out why it’s helping patients who need dental implants in Montreal realize optimal oral health once again.
What is Cone Beam 3D Imaging?
Cone beam 3D imaging enables dentists to clearly see detailed, three-dimensional images of their patients’ teeth, as well as the bones and soft tissues that surround them.
Traditional CT scans use a fan-shaped laser, but this new technology is different; the beam shoots out in a cone-shaped pattern, taking nearly 600 “slices” of information of your mouth, then assembling those pieces into 3D views.
Why is Cone Beam 3D Imaging Beneficial?
Traditional two-dimensional images don’t enable dentists to see every angle of their patients’ teeth and bone structures. With 3D imaging, however, they can check out different views of the mouth and move the images around in a way that enables them to see exactly where teeth, roots, and potential issues lie.
The precision is particularly helpful for a number of dental procedures, including:
- Accurate placement of dental implants
- Determining if root canal therapy is the best treatment plan
- Planning extractions, especially for impacted teeth
- Evaluation of potential sinus problems
- Diagnosis of TMJ issues
- Determining the root causes of pain when there aren’t obvious answers
Will You Need Cone Beam 3D Imaging?
For starters, not every patient we see here at Retter Dental Clinic will need cone beam 3D imagery. Many times, traditional two-dimensional x-rays will do the job just fine. However, for situations where 3D technology is medically important, we might defer to cone beam technology.
Getting an x-ray taken on a cone beam imagine machine only takes a minute or so; sometimes, it’s even quicker than that. You don’t have to worry about feeling discomfort or dealing with any sort of special preparation. You will need to remove metal jewelry, but otherwise, the machine does the work, rotating 360 degrees around your head to capture every possible angle. The whole process will be finished before you realize it.
If you’re searching for a dentist who specializes in dental implants in Montreal, we’re glad you’ve found Retter Dental Clinic. We invite you to schedule an initial appointment with our team today!
