Dental Imaging and Cone Beam CT: A Closer Look

Dental Imaging and Cone Beam CT: A Closer Look

19 Jan, 2015

One of the greatest results of the countless advancements in radiological technology is the growth in dental imaging. At Vision XRAY we offer a variety of options in dental imaging, assisting dental practitioners in their work and effective treatment of patients. With our range of equipment, we can produce specialised, high quality images for use by dental and medical providers, examining not only the teeth and jaw, but also imaging facial bones, dental nerves, and more.

Digital Radiography

For more simple images of the mouth and teeth, we utilise first class 2-D digital radiography. These low dose machines produce excellent images for use by your dental provider. We perform lateral cephalometry, OPG, TMJ, and facial bone imaging using this technology.

OPG (orthopantomogram) provides a panoramic x-ray of the patient’s lower face, imaging the teeth of both the upper and lower jaw. This scan can be used to display the position and growth of all teeth, including those that are still to surface, and may also be used to examine the structure of the jawbone and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). OPG’s are frequently used when checking for the presence of wisdom teeth in a patient.

Lateral cephalometry is an x-ray which produces a side view of the face, showing bone and facial structure. Such a scan is useful for orthodontists in developing their treatment plans and tracking progress. Both lat ceph and OPG are quick, painless procedures performed in-house at Vision XRAY’s many locations.

Cone BEAM CT

Our cone beam CT (computerised tomography) is an ultra low dose dental CT scan. This procedure uses advanced technology to produce 3-D images of the craniofacial region. An cone shaped x-ray beam is moved around the head of the patient to generate clear images of dental structures, nerves, soft tissues, and bone. Because these images are more detailed, cone beam CT can assist in more specific and specialised treatment and diagnosis.

Cone beam CT may be helpful for orthodontic treatment as well as surgical planning for issues such as teeth impaction. TMJ disorder diagnosis can also be assisted through this technology, and issues with the jaw, sinuses, and nasal cavity can also be evaluated. When patients are experiencing pain in the craniofacial region, the cone beam CT can be instrumental in aiding radiologists to determine the source of the problem. One of the most significant uses for cone beam CT is its role in planning tooth implantation. Cone beam CT shows the height and width of bone available for implantation as well as bone quality. This assists in the planning the procedure as well as determining whether or not the procedure can be safely performed.

Alongside your physician, orthodontist, dentist, or other specialist, our team at Vision XRAY will select the appropriate scanning technologies that best meet your needs, with a constant focus on your health and well-being. Our radiologists would be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you have regarding dental imaging or cone beam CT. Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your needs.