3D Imaging: How Does the Patient Benefit?

The Benefits of 3D Imaging for patients in vast and far-reaching. Dental technology has been constantly changing and improving to help provide the best care possible to patients. One of the most exciting and important developments in dental technology is 3D Imaging. This advancement allows your surgeon to see your mouth in a way that is not possible with X-ray or medical CT scan technology. Therefore, they are able to better diagnose each patient and provide more effective treatment.

3D Imaging works with a cone beam computed tomography machine (CBCT) which provides a high-quality 3D image of patients’ mouths. The surgeon is able to see the entire mouth and skull in extreme detail and visualize important anatomy and bone quantities to prepare for procedures such as implants, bone grafts, and more.
Less exposure to radiation: compared to traditional medical CT scans, 3D CBCT scans release significantly less radiation.

Image accuracy: 3D CBCT imaging provides highly accurate and measurable images because of its amazing resolution, giving your surgeon the ability to identify the exact location for a dental procedure.
Diagnostic accuracy: 3D scans can help find problems that 2D scans cannot, especially through the ability to differentiate between many types of tissue. Abnormal sinus anatomy, joint dysfunctions, pathologies, and infections can be identified which means that patients are properly diagnosed when they are first seen and are able to get the appropriate help sooner than they would with previous imaging methods.
Safer surgeries: With 3D imaging, surgeons can more easily identify the location of nerves and avoid them during surgery. This minimizes the risk of damaging a nerve and causing numbness.

Short scan time: 3D CBCT scanners can obtain all of the necessary images in a single rotation of about 10 seconds, decreasing the chance of image defects caused by the natural movement of the patient.
Bone quality assessment: 3D CBCT scans are used to assess bone quality, which is extremely important for implant placement. The surgeon can see if there is sufficient bone present for the procedure or if grafting will be necessary.

Surgical guides: the findings of the 3D scan are transferred to a computer-generated surgical template which our surgeon uses to create surgical guide for dental implant procedures.

It is wise to choose an oral surgery practice which offers the many benefits of 3D Imaging for you to receive the very best scan possible.