3D Cone Beam
Port Angeles, WA
3D Cone Beam provided by Stephen J. Turella, DMD
in Port Angeles, WA at Turella Oral Surgery
 When you think of dental x-rays, what immediately pops into your mind?
If you are like many people, you think of a traditional x-ray. You worry that the x-ray is not safe, and you might even picture the dentist coming into the office with an x-ray film that he or she hangs up in front of a lighted board to better see the image.
That might be how dental x-rays were done in the past, but changes have been made for the better.
Advanced technology, like 3D cone beam scans, have changed the way we plan treatments here at Turella Oral Surgery.
If you are in need of oral surgery, you can rest assured knowing we use the latest technology at our practice in Port Angeles, WA.
3D cone beam scans are often the best way to gather a more comprehensive overview of your oral health, which is a vital part of any oral surgery procedure.
What Is a 3D Cone Beam?
Dental cone beam computed tomography, or CBCT, is a complex x-ray machine that produces a three-dimensional image of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and supportive bone. This type of x-ray is often used when conventional x-rays do not provide a sufficient amount of information.
It is important to note that a dental CBCT scan is different from a regular CT scan, but still produces similar images.
3D Cone Beam Procedure
Before your scan, we will ask you to remove any metal objects, including: glasses, jewelry, and removable dental appliances. Any removable oral appliances should still be brought to your appointment. Once we are sure you are properly prepared, we can begin the scan.
During your scan, a C-arm, or gantry, rotates around your head in a 360-degree trajectory. As it rotates, it captures hundreds of images from a wide variety of angles. Next, the machine digitally combines these images to produce a complete 3D representation of your mouth and maxillofacial structures.
3D Cone Beam/CBCT FAQ's
How Is a 3D Cone Beam Better?
Benefits of 3D cone beam scans include:
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Cone beam technology reduces scattered radiation, producing a high quality image with minimal radiation.
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One scan can give us a wide-variety of angles and views for a more comprehensive evaluation of your oral and maxillofacial structures.
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The procedure is painless, noninvasive, effective, and quick.
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The images can be enhanced, manipulated, and enlarged to give us a detailed, nuanced overview of your oral health. This results in more precise treatment planning. |
How Long Does a CBCT Take?
The entire process usually takes between 20 and 40 seconds. A regional scan that focuses on a specific area is even faster. Once the procedure is complete, we can move forward with an individualized treatment plan.
Why Would You Need a CBCT Scan?
There are a number of scenarios that may require a 3D cone beam scan, some of which include:
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Surgical planning and placement for dental implants
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Surgical planning for impacted teeth or tooth extraction
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Evaluating bone structure and occlusion
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Evaluating the sinuses, jaw, nasal cavity, and nerve canals
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Locating the origin of pain
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Planning any form of reconstructive surgery |
CBCT scans are particularly useful during dental implant treatment. Your scan allows us to determine the precise placement of your implant. This can improve the success rate of your surgery and minimize postoperative complications. It also allows for cost-effective and durable restorations that require fewer implants.
Schedule an Imaging Appointment with Your Port Angeles Oral Surgeon Today!
If you would like to learn more about 3D Cone Beam CT scans, our team is happy to help. Call (360) 912-8244 to schedule your appointment today! |
