Endodontics is a specialty field of dentistry that focuses on saving teeth. When decay or damage threatens the health of a tooth, endodontic procedures can provide the necessary treatment to restore the tooth and allow it to stay in place.
How do endodontists save teeth? With the help of advanced technology for diagnostics and treatment planning. One example of such technology is the 3D Cone Beam Scanner. This device provides valuable insight that can be used to determine the best course of treatment for an at-risk tooth.
Learn about how 3D Cone Beam technology is revolutionizing endodontics.
What is a 3D Cone Beam Scanner?
A 3D Cone Beam Scanner is a method for gathering radiographs, or X-Ray images as they are more commonly known. The official name of the device is a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanner.
Using a cone-shaped beam the system can create 3D images of the patient’s tissues, including the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues of the mouth and face. These images allow endodontists to see the whole tooth as well as the surrounding tissues and determine the best course of treatment to save the tooth, if possible.
Benefits of 3D Cone Beam Scanners
- Improved image quality. Cone Beam Scanners create clearer, sharper images than traditional X-Rays, making it easier for endodontists to assess the health of teeth.
- Minimal radiation exposure. 3D Cone Beam Scanners use less radiation than digital dental X-Rays, minimizing exposure for patients.
- Greater span of information. Endodontists can get more information from 3D images created by a Cone Beam Scanner.
- Improved diagnostics and treatment outcomes. Cone Beam images allow endodontists to make more accurate diagnoses, which translates to more effective treatment.
- Painless. A 3D Cone Beam Scan is completely painless for patients. It is even more comfortable than traditional dental X-Rays.
- Smaller than CT scanners. A full size CT Scanner is a large machine typically found in hospitals. But a Cone Beam Scanner takes up less space, making it ideal for smaller offices.
- No residual radiation. Unlike a full CT Scanner, no radiation remains in the body after a 3D Cone Beam Scan.
- Quicker than traditional dental X-Rays. Images can be made of the entire mouth in under a minute, and a concentrated area in as little as 10 seconds.
Why Do I Need a 3D Cone Beam Scan?
There are a few different situations that may need to be diagnosed with a 3D Cone Beam Scanner:
- Complex root canal systems: Help an endodontist map out a complex root canal system in a tooth that needs treatment.
- Broken or potentially broken tooth: A tooth that is broken or may be broken can be assessed.
- Preparation for dental implants: Can be used to prepare for the placement of dental implants to ensure greater accuracy.
- Diagnosing TMJ disorder: Disorders of the temporomandibular joint can be diagnosed and a treatment plan created for optimal outcomes.
- Abnormalities of the jaw bone: Abnormalities, growths, and tumors on the jaw bone can be evaluated.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Cone Beam Technology
Is a Cone Beam Scanner safe?
A 3D Cone Beam Scanner is one of the safest ways to create X-Ray images of the mouth due to minimal radiation exposure.
Why is a Cone Beam Scanner used before a root canal?
3D images of the tooth and surrounding tissues give the endodontist a more vivid picture of the root canal structure and the location of nerves for a more comfortable and effective procedure.
Learn More About 3D Cone Beam Technology From Eagle Endodontics
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of 3D Cone Beam Scanners, Eagle Endodontics regularly implements this revolutionary technology. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and experience for yourself this advanced level of care.