At Baltimore Dental Co., Dr. Leah Romay uses modern dental technology to help diagnose and treat her patients. Dr. Romay takes CBCT scans with the Orthophos® SL 3D in her Glyndon, MD office. CBCT stands for Cone-beam Computed Tomography. This general dental technology uses digital X-rays that diverge to form a cone. Dr. Romay uses this technology to diagnose and treat many general dentistry concerns.
CBCT machines take many digital images of the teeth, gums, and nerves to form a complete picture of a patient’s oral health. With CBCT scanning, Dr. Romay can see problem areas in the mouth. She can help determine the right treatment options for her patients using these comprehensive scans.
Features of CBCT Scanners
Dr. Romay uses the Orthophos SL 3D to capture CBCT scans in her office. Some of the best features of the Orthophos SL 3D include:
- Image Sizing: With the Orthophose SL 3D, we can choose which area of the smile we want to focus on. We can control the volume and size of the 3D images to match the specific treatment option that a patient requires.
- Direct Conversion Sensor: This scanner uses a DCS, which converts the X-ray into an electrical signal and then an image. The DCS helps create clearer, more defined images.
- Sharp Layer (SL) Technology: The scanner takes thousands of pictures and chooses the best-quality images to create the most defined X-rays possible. Because of this, we are able to see small details of the smile and easily diagnose more complex cases.
- Stabilization: The Orthophos SL 3D uses three arms to stabilize the patient’s head during treatment. There is also a handle on the machine and EVI light localizers to keep the patient standing in the correct position. These elements of the machine prevent blurry images and ensure patient comfort.
CBCT scanners offer a quick and effective way to capture images of the mouth. They are much safer to use than traditional X-rays and create sharper, more precise X-rays.
Diagnosis and Treatment Using CBCT Scans
To use the Orthophos SL 3D, patients step in the middle of the machine. We will ask the patient to bite on the occlusal bite block, with their forehead and temples on the fixed support. The patient will also place their hands on the handles behind the bite block. As they stay standing, the machine rotates around them, capturing thousands of images of their smile. This process takes seconds and is safe for patients to use.
Dr. Romay typically uses 3D CBCT scans to plan dental implants and implant-secured restorations, orthodontic treatment, or periodontal therapy. The Orthophos SL 3D gives her access to virtual treatment planning technology, which makes it simpler to find problems in the smile and create the best solution possible.
3D Dental CBCT Imaging FAQs
Can you see a tooth fracture on CBCT?
CBCT offers high-quality 3D pictures that are helpful for identifying dental root fractures and organizing a treatment plan. According to recent studies, CBCT pictures were substantially more sensitive than dental radiographs at detecting root fractures, with a sensitivity of 89.5%.
Can you see soft tissue on CBCT?
In-depth images of your bones, nerves, and soft tissues provided by a CBCT scan enable us to diagnose your health. The ability to see deep tissue damage gives us a better understanding of how to formulate a treatment strategy before any actual surgery is carried out.
Is a CBCT scan 2d or 3-D?
CBCT scans images shown in three dimensions. These scans have been shown to be more effective at diagnosing issues than two dimensional radiographs.
Does CBCT show bone density?
The quality of craniofacial bone structures has frequently been assessed using CBCT scans through the calculation of mineral density, which is based on the grayness of the acquired images. CBCT scans show bones and their density levels in terms of grayscale images.
Is a CBCT scan harmful?
The American Dental Association (ADA) and the FDA advise practitioners to only use dental X-ray exams, including dental CBCT, when they are essential for the illness diagnosis or treatment. An X-ray imaging test that is medically necessary is more beneficial clinically than the potential harm that radiation has to cause.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Do you want high-quality, modern care in Glyndon? Contact Dr. Romay for precise diagnosis and treatment today. If you are a new patient, call 410.220.4680. Current patients may call 410.833.4664. You may also request a dental consultation with Dr. Romay online. Please let Dr. Romay know if you have further questions or concerns about your treatment options. She will always be happy to assist you.