You’re probably familiar with standard dental x-rays. These images are great for evaluating tooth decay, bone loss, and other common issues, and they’re still the standard for routine dental checkups. But when it comes to diagnosing more complex conditions and planning complicated dental procedures, a dentist needs more information about a patient’s mouth than a 2D image can provide. That’s where cone beam imaging utilizing 3D imaging comes in.
Cone Beam Imaging X-Ray Machine
Cone beam is a special type of x-ray machine that generates three dimensional (3D) images of a patient’s soft tissue, dental structures, and nerve paths. At San Diego Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we use the Planmeca Promax 3D.
The Most Advanced CT Scans with less radiation
The detailed images that come out of this 3D imaging device give us not only the clarity we need for precise treatment planning but also uses less radiation than a traditional Panoramic 2D x-ray.
What is the Planmeca Promax 3D?
Before cone beam machines were available for dental offices, a doctor who needed 3D images would typically send a patient for a CAT scan. While helpful in diagnosing and treating complex conditions, these scans were inconvenient for patients and exposed them to high levels of radiation.
The advanced CT Scan allows us to get important diagnostic information right in our office in a manner that drastically reduces the amount of radiation patients are exposed to.
The 3D imaging device is a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) machine that has optimized imaging modes for the best image quality. Imaging protocol allows us to take cone beam images with an even lower dose of radiation than standard 2D panoramic imaging.
Its open design eliminates the “claustrophobic” feeling of other x-ray machines and makes for a more relaxed patient experience.
Why do we use this 3D imaging device?
Quite simply, it gives us an outstanding view into a patient’s oral anatomy. It allows us to see important nerves and blood vessels that can’t be detected with traditional x-rays. We can evaluate the jawbone, teeth, nerves, and their corresponding dimensions from multiple angles so we have extensive knowledge about where to place a dental implant, how dense the jawbone is, and other useful information.
What’s more, this 3D imaging device is the first machine to combine three different types of 3D data into one x-ray machine. We can take a cone beam photo, a 3D face photo, and a 3D model scan to create a virtual version of a patient’s facial and oral anatomy.
This 3D rendering gives us the ability and confidence to develop precise treatment plans for each individual patient.
San Diego Periodontics & Implant Dentistry only uses the latest and greatest technology
Whether you need dental implants, removal of impacted teeth, or reconstructive surgery, your oral health is in excellent hands at San Diego Periodontics & Implant Dentistry. Dr. Kwok uses the latest and greatest technology to diagnose and treat complex conditions all while prioritizing his patients’ comfort and safety. Call us today at (619) 543-0905 to schedule a consultation.
