Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Why You Want Your Dentist to do a 3D X-Ray Before Getting Dental Implants


Dental implants are the most innovative means of replacing missing teeth. Using a titanium root inserted into the jawbone as a base for the crown, implants have proven to be incredibly effective. Implants work like regular teeth, allowing people to eat normally, and they require only the same basic dental hygiene as regular teeth. However, placing an implant does require a high degree of technical precision.

High-Tech Dental Care in 3D

3D x-rays, which are also called cone beam scans or 3D scans, are the latest advancement for implant treatment. They give dentists like Dr. Rondon a clearer image of the underlying bone structure, allowing them to see it from all angles in a high resolution image.  This ensures a higher degree of stability and safety.

3D x-rays can be done in the office, using equipment that is far more convenient and less bulky than older CT scanning machines. The process uses a comparatively low level of radiation, and it won’t be a problem for people who are claustrophobic.

As machines get more precise, the field of view can range from showing the whole jaw all the way down to showing a single tooth. Most scans take only about 30 seconds, but the result is a striking 3D color image on the computer that can be moved around to view from all sides.

Basically, a 3D x-ray allows the dentist to perform a virtual surgery before they ever work on your mouth. This helps them to see exactly where arteries, nerves and sinuses are located and gives a clear picture of every minor detail in the bone. It shows exactly where to place the implant and prevents any major surprises.

Sometimes the area of bone where the implant needs to go is narrow. In the past, this usually resulted in a bone graft. However, with 3D x-rays, the precision is so much higher that it is sometimes possible to simply change the trajectory of the implant. Whatever the case, the dentist will have a clear understanding of the situation, so the decision that is made will be the right one.

We are excited to offer 3D x-rays.  There is no need to drive over to an x-ray lab. The whole procedure can be done right in the office. The high level of precision, the removal of guesswork and the ease of it all makes 3D scans a highly desired part of your dental implant surgery.

Contact the office to find out more.




No comments:

Post a Comment