Cone Beam

How Does It Work

Our office offers the Carestream/Kodak 9300 3D Imaging System which is a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).  CBCT with three dimensional imaging and less radiation exposure is the future of dentistry and the applications seem limitless.

The 3D Cone Beam Imaging system is basically a digital x-ray scanner mounted on a rotating arm. (Like a digital camera, it uses digital technology to record images instead of the old-fashioned film.)  CB 3D imaging offers a large volume of information and subtle details that simply cannot be obtained by any two dimensional X-ray, whether intraoral or panoramic.

Cone beam images provide an undistorted or accurate dimensional view of the jaws allowing the oral surgeon to see extraordinary detail and render more accurate diagnostic input.  Images can be viewed from any angle and in different magnifications to see the relationships between bones, teeth, airways, nerves and tissues to better plan and evaluate your patients' treatment.

The Kodak 9300 CBCT's resolution is clear enough to visualize and assess existing treated and untreated canals as well as root fractures in teeth.  It also provides us with input to determine if an apicoectomy is indicated and how successful the apicoectomy may be if performed.  Additionally the Kodak 9300 CBCT can take scans as large as the upper and lower jaw as small as four teeth to minimize over radiation and scanning of unnecessary areas of the mouth.  It also provides stronger indication of bone quality.

One 3D scan will allow us to examine the region of interest at a high resolution from many different perspectives.  Clinical studies support this technology's improved diagnostic capabilities.  This state-of-the-art technology will allow us to provide our patients with the very highest level of care possible today.

Applications For The Cone Beam Scan

                                            ** Better Images for Better Planning**
                                3D Images Accurately Portray the Patient's Anatomy To:

Dental Implants, Bone Grafts and Sinus Lifts:

* Evaluate bone volume and quality
* Identify, localize and mark anatomical obstacles (mandibular canal, sinus) for placement 
   purposes 
* Take precise measurements using true 1:1 ratio
* Plan implants using specialized 3D software; ability to integrate with Nobel Biocare's surgical 
   guide    
* Improve case acceptance by using scan as teaching tool with implant patients
* Collaborate with referring dentists with the ability to send a CD or USB drive for evaluation and 
   discussion of treatment plans

Impacted Wisdom Teeth and Other Teeth:

* Identify the position of the roots to the inferior alveolar nerve.  This is especially important for 
   the older adult patient who presents with impacted wisdom teeth.

Infra Bony Pathology:

* Identify the size and location of the cyst and periapical lesions for removal.
* Define the extent of bone loss around the infected tooth

Endodontic Treatment:

*Identify additional canals and fractures within the roots
*Define the extent of surrounding bone loss

 Advise Your Patient

If you think a Cone Beam scan is warranted for your patient and your diagnosis, please mention this to the patient prior to coming to our office.  This helps the patient to become aware that an additional radiographic image may be taken.  Typically this is not covered by insurance.

Non Oral Surgery Patients Can Be Referred For A Cone Beam Scan

Our office is available to provide cone beam scans for your patients of record who are not having oral surgery.  If you would like to utilize this scan for your diagnosis, we can take the scan and have it read.  Your patient will be billed for service.