Dental implants are a predictable and successful mode of tooth replacement. However treatment planning is paramount to aesthetic and functional results. As such 3-D imaging in less than a decade has become the standard of care when planning implant cases, therefore the quality of the CT scan studies and the versatility of treatment planning software is also of importance.
Prexion offers the clearest resolution Dental 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scanner and most experienced 3D viewing software on the market today. This technology unlike medical CAT scans uses of a cone shaped X-Ray beam, therefore the size of the scanner, the radiation dosage and time needed for scanning are all dramatically reduced.
The cone beam CT scanner we have in our office is a Prexion 3D. During the scan, the patient sits stationary on a designated seat. This CBCT scanner will then rotate 360°around your head and only needs seconds to capture multiple images of your head from different angles. As a result the radiation dosage is up to a hundred times less than that of a regular medical CAT scanner. These images are then reconstructed with specialized software to create a 3D image of your internal anatomy. The dentist is able to zoom in on specific areas and view them from alternate angles. This protocol will help to visualize internal anatomy that cannot be diagnosed externally, assess risk, generate implant placement surgical guides and plan treatment and surgery.
Here are some additional ways in which the Prexion CBCT scans are used in dentistry:
- Assess the quality of the jawbone where the implant will be placed.
- Determine where nerves are located.
- Measure the density of the jawbone where the implant will be placed.
- Pinpoint the most effective placement for implants, including the angle of best fit.
- Plan the complete surgical procedure in advance, from start to finish.
- Precisely decide on the appropriate size and type of implants.
- View exact orientation and position of each tooth.
- View impacted teeth.
Dr. Coello will place your implant virtually in the computer software prior to the actual non-invasive surgery. This virtual surgery is transferred to the patient via a precise surgical guide which is fabricated by a 3D printer by using the patients CBCT Scan and models.
The actual implant surgery is now very safe, predicable, ad non-invasive. With this new technology, no more sutures or cutting of the gum tissue is necessary.