Cone Beam Computed Tomography
CBCT Scans
To begin with, so much of your treatment’s success is dependent upon an accurate diagnosis. Although this may seem like common sense, this sentiment was echoed in a 2013 Washington Post article, “Misdiagnosis is more common than drug errors or wrong site surgery."
Besides a good clinical exam, quality photographs and models of your teeth, we require accurate information about the sizes and relationships of the jaw bones and the amount of bone surrounding all surfaces of your teeth. We are also keenly interested in visualizing the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), root morphology and airway for each patient, as they play important roles in the outcome of your orthodontic treatment. We then spend about an hour analyzing this data.
Since the 1930s, 2-dimensonal x-rays limited our ability to appreciate what the human body presented us with. In fact, a careful study of our own records over the years revealed unusual radiographic findings in approximately 25% of our patients, which is a rather high percentage. In addition, we could not always see what we wanted to with as much clarity as we hoped for.1,2
More recently, advances in technology have provided orthodontists with an opportunity to invest in their patient’s care, by allowing us to visualize the body in 3 dimensions (CT Scans). In 2007, Saini Orthodontics began using Cone Beam CT imaging to aid in the diagnosis and treatment planning for every patient.
One of the most significant differences between a traditional (medical) CT Scan and a Cone Beam (dental) CT Scan, is far less radiation for our orthodontic patients. In addition, CBCT Scan benefits include:
- A high degree of diagnostic accuracy.
- One exposure provides us with all the needed views and it rarely requires repeating for quality purposes.
- It accurately locates certain pathologic lesions and this information can be easily shared with other dentists and physicians – which can ultimately save time, reduce further radiation exposure and additional cost to the patient.
Given our desire to provide the best care we can, there is no increase in fees to our patients under normal circumstances.
Orthodontics, similar to other health care specialties is neither a perfect science nor art. Among many things, it requires constant research, innovations and updates. Saini Orthodontics accepts this fact, but strives to embrace technology that provides greater care for its patients.
1. Mah and Hatcher. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Three dimensional craniofacial imaging. 2004; 126: 308-309.
2. Cha et al. American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Incidental findings in the maxillofacial area with 3-dimensional cone beam imaging. 2007; 132: 7-14.