CT Scan Dentist in La Mesa (CBCT)
Dental Cone Beam CT in La Mesa
One of the innovative new diagnostic tools that we now use at the La Mesa Dental Center is Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). In the hands of a highly trained cosmetic and implant dentist like Dr. Mechev, 3D dental CT images provide him with more precise information over conventional X-rays about the condition of your jaw and surrounding tissues. In the end, dental CBCT is a more reliable way for Dr. Mechev to safely and effectively perform root canal treatments, surgical procedures, bone grafting procedures, including dental implants and wisdom tooth extractions.
What is Cone Beam CT? | 3D Dental Scan
As part of your new patient and periodic dental exam and cleaning, X-rays have long been used to find cavities and catch other oral health concerns in the early stages. But the days of heavy lead aprons and sharp plastic film slides in your mouth are over for many dental practices. 3D dental imaging is progressively becoming the new standard of care, allowing dentists to digitally reconstruct your teeth in three dimensions for a much more comprehensive look at the underlying structures.
What is a dental cone beam CT scan?
You might have heard of CT scans in relation to medical procedures, and it’s essentially the same thing in dental practices, just on a smaller scale. Computerized tomography (CT) is a type of imaging that combines several X-ray scans into virtual “slices” that allow you to see within an object—like a tooth or jawbone—without cutting into it. With cone beam CT scans, the radiation beam that makes the images is shaped like a cone instead of a fan like typical CT imaging, incorporating the entire field of vision for the most accurate images possible.
Reasons for getting a cone beam CT scan
Many dentists are employing 3D CT scans to replace traditional X-ray procedures, but some dentists reserve the technology for specific purposes, including:
- Ensuring accurate placement of dental implants
- Determining if you need a root canal
- Planning out extractions, especially for wisdom teeth
- Evaluating your sinuses
- Diagnosing fractures
- Diagnosing TMJ
- Discovering the source of undiagnosed pain
If you are getting a cone beam CT scan to investigate a specific area of the mouth, the scan takes about half the time as a full-mouth scan.
Advantages of getting a 3D scan
3D cone beam CT scans have several advantages compared to traditional dental X-ray scans. The most significant advantage is the exceptional level of detail, accuracy, and comprehensive information 3D scans provide. Dentists can view your tooth and bone structures from every angle, along with soft tissues, nerves, and even infections. Also, while 3D scans and X-ray scans both use radiation to create images, 3D scans take much less time to complete, reducing the radiation exposure involved.
How the CT dental scan procedure works
The entire procedure for getting a cone beam CT scan takes less than a minute. You will either sit or lie down in the exam chair, depending on the type of scanner used, and remain very still while a C-arm or gantry rotates around your head for a 360-degree rotation or less. The entire scan takes 12 seconds, during which the scanner generates 150-200 high-resolution 2D images that are digitally combined to provide a 3D portrait of your mouth.
How Dr. Mechev Uses the CBCT Images
Using a dental implant procedure as an example, the highly detailed 3-D images produced by CBCT in dentistry give Dr. Mechev the ability to:
- Precisely locate the patient’s maxillary sinus. For a dental implant procedure, he can then choose the right implant size so that it doesn’t affect the sinus cavity and the mandibular nerve.
- Create a virtual model of a patient’s teeth, bones and soft tissues. This allows him to artistically create the perfect bite while greatly reducing the likelihood for misaligned implants.
- Choose the best size of implant to ensure maximum stability and tissue integration.
- Measure, locate and evaluate the available jawbone for optimal implant placement.
- Map out the sensory nerves to minimize the likelihood for nerve damage during the surgical procedure.
Is Dental Cone Beam CT Safe?
Dental cone beam CT is a much easier process than getting a CT scan done on your body. For starters, the CBCT machine itself is much smaller and less intimidating than the full-body CT machines found in clinics or hospitals. Secondly, there is much less radiation exposure with a dental CBCT scan versus a conventional CT scan. In fact, the amount of radiation is equal to the amount we get during a 4 hours flight.However, the images produced by dental cone beam CT are much more precise and clear in detail to those resulting from conventional medical CT imaging.
How Do I Prepare for a Dental CBCT?
A full-mouth CBCT dental scan usually only takes between 16 seconds, resulting in 100s of 3-D images that give Dr. Mechev a comprehensive snapshot of your teeth and surrounding tissues and structures. Another benefit to you as a patient is the fact that preparing for a dental cone beam CT scan requires very little preparation at all! You will be asked ahead of time if you are pregnant or might be pregnant, and to wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and no jewelry.
Comprehensive oral health at La Mesa Dental
At La Mesa Dental, we strive to ensure our patients have a complete understanding of their oral health, which is why we offer cone beam CT scans for the most comprehensive portrait of your teeth, bones, gums, and other tissues.
Our team always uses an approach with the CBCT scanner that values patient safety and comfort. That process includes our constant investment in the latest and safest dentistry technologies, including dental cone beam CT. If you live in the San Diego area, please call our office today to book an initial smile consultation with Dr. Mechev at: (619) 337-2424, or use our convenient Web contact form now!