Houston CBCT Cone Beam Imaging

CBCT Cone Beam ImagingHouston, TX

Prosthodontist Eva Boldridge, DMD, PA, utilizes CBCT Cone Beam Imaging and other tools to diagnose and treat patients. We pride ourselves on using new technology, such as CBCT Cone Beam Imaging, to ensure our patients receive the quality treatment and services they need.

When other technologies cannot provide the necessary information, our practice turns to the CBCT Cone Beam Imaging system for answers. We can use this technology to create a detailed 3D image of the patients teeth, jaw, face, and head before customizing a treatment plan. If you would like to know more about CBCT Cone Beam imaging or make an appointment, call us at (281) 779-4022.

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    What is CBCT Cone Beam Imaging?

    There was once a time in periodontology and related fields that diagnosis was limited to 2D imaging devices. The use of 3D modalities was rare due to the amount of radiation used. 3D imaging using computer tomography had been available, but its use was reserved for special or serious cases. Enter CBCT cone beam imaging: cheaper, less bulky, and, most important of all, less radiation.

    The CBCT is a variation of the traditional CT scan. It rotates around the head of the patient using a cone-shaped X-ray beam. The resulting images are used to recreate a 3D image of the patient’s mouth, teeth, and maxillofacial region.

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    Possible Uses for CBCT Cone Beam Imaging

    An important application of CBCT cone beam imaging includes its uses in oral and maxillofacial surgery that can also help locate benign or malignant tumors or bone lesions. However, it can also help in the field of periodontics, being able to catch defects missed by other technologies. This allows dentists to improve the outcome of periodontal treatment greatly.

    Our team uses CBCT cone beam imaging to help in the treatment planning process. Along with planning prosthodontic procedures, it also helps in planning same day smile design, tooth extractions, diagnosing TMJ disorder, sleep apnea treatment, and more.

    Benefits of CBCT Cone Beam Imaging

    CBCT cone beam imaging offers a number of benefits to both patient and provider. For the patient, there is less radiation, along with a faster scan that is more comfortable. AOther Benefits include:

    • Especially when combined with other modern tools, patient and dentist can plan a more accurate path through treatment
    • It offers better image quality than traditional dental X-rays
    • Just one scan catches many views and angles of the mouth, making diagnosis easier
    • The dentists can see images of the patient’s bone and soft tissue at the same time
    • No radiation is left in the patient’s body after the scan and examination

    What the Patient Can Expect During the Scan

    The patient should wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of their CBCT cone beam scan. In some cases, dental professionals may provide a hospital gown. Any metal objects, including jewelry, glasses, barrettes, or dentures, should be removed before the process. The patient should make the practitioner aware if they are pregnant or have any metal in their body that cannot be removed. Fillings in the mouth should not pose a problem.

    The dentist will ask the patient to either stand or sit in the exam chair. The patient will need to be perfectly still during the scan and not talk or swallow. The X-ray detector will revolve around the patient in a 360-degree rotation. This scan will be over in a minute or less.

    What Are the Next Possible Steps After Getting the Scan

    There are no side effects from the scan, and it is pain-free. Patients can generally return to their normal activities right after. Before leaving, the patient will gather any belongings following the scan.

    Some may be wondering what happens after that. Well, that all depends on why a patient had the scan, was it diagnostic, part of a reconstructive process, and will it need to be compared with other imaging. The images are available fairly quickly, but the dentist may need time to interpret the results to explain them to the patient. If you are planning a smile makeover, the scan may be combined with other imagery so the dentist can offer the best suggestions.

    The CBCT cone beam scan has made great strides in diagnosing periodontal disease, full mouth rehabilitation, and reconstructive dentistry in general because it can catch things other scans cannot. This offers the patients better recovery, repair, and an altogether better outcome.

    Call Us Today

    If you are experiencing tooth pain, need reconstruction, or are trying to diagnose a problem where other methods have failed, we can help. Now more than ever, our team offers the latest in diagnostic equipment. To learn more about us, the CBCT cone beam scan, or to make an appointment, call us today at (281) 779-4022.

    Frequently Asked Questions About

    What is it like to get a CBCT cone beam scan?

    Many people find the scan to be comfortable and quick. Patients may have to stand during the scan, which will only take around a minute. Also, this will not interfere with your day because you can get back to your normal activities right away.

    Does dental insurance cover this type of scan?

    While each insurance plan is different per patient, most may not cover this type of scan.However, the industry seems to be slowly deciding to cover this work. It is always a good idea to check with your insurance provider first. Sometimes, if an uncovered test is deemed necessary by the patient and the dentist, it may be possible to arrange payment plans.

    What was used before CBCT Cone Beam Imaging?

    CBCT is a variation on the CT scan. The CBCT scan captures more in a single turn and takes less time. Also, CBCT exposes patients to less radiation than the CT scan.

    How does the traditional CT scanner compare in image quality to the CBCT scanner?

    The higher-level 3D images are more accurate than the CT. According to Dental Economics CBCT adds depth, thus giving the clinician multiplanar views of the volume. This further improves diagnostic abilities and reduces the need to take multiple X-rays.

    Can CBCT cone beam scans be used on children?

    The current debate on this issue leads to no. Though it still has significantly less radiation than the traditional CT scanner, more work needs to be done to make it even safer. It should only be used on children if considered necessary for the diagnosis and treatment plan of something serious.

    How has the patient’s experience improved?

    Patient experience has improved immensely. Not just because of the speed and comfort. It is easier for the dentist to communicate with the patient by showing them an accurate three-dimensional image of their jaw. For example, a dentist can show where an implant can be placed in a patient’s jaw using imagery that makes it clear to the patient.

    Contact Us

    Eva Boldridge DMD PA is located at 7700 San Felipe St #100A Houston, TX 77063.

    (281) 779-4022