Cone Beam CT Computed Tomography

The Orthodontic Procedures improved with Cone Beam CT

The Cone Beam CT can give Dr. Pan invaluable information initially on any type of orthodontic evaluation and treatment planning. It can make a big difference if there is TMJ treatment involved, or the assessment of your airway when it comes to potential sleep apnea issues. The technology provides full 3D images of the face and the jaws. A 3D rendition can give Dr. Pan an undistorted view of the dentition involved, the soft tissue, and the erupted and non-erupted teeth. It can provide tooth root orientation and all anomalous structures that conventional x-rays cannot. The data is collected immediately, the rendition is done immediately, and the data to discuss is available for a prompt discussion on the correct plan of action. You and Dr. Pan are both informed and can make educated decisions together on your course of treatment.

TMJ is pain and discomfort related to the TMJ joint. This unique joint is located at the base of your skull in front of your ear and this joint connects your lower jaw. There is an unusual disc like structure that is found between the two bones. This joint can become fractured or swollen limiting movement of the lower jaw and creating pain that can radiate to the head and neck. The cone beam CT with its 3D scan can identify this problem and can set the proper treatment into motion. A huge improvement over the previous options.

The 3D scan and image will help Dr. Pan get to the root of the problem if you are suffering from sleep apnea issues. The scan will show if your airway is obstructed, or if your airway is too small or if you have enlarged tonsils. All contributing factors to this disorder that can now be immediately identified with cone beam technology. It will help Dr. Pan and yourself get to a solution quicker. Identifying a nasal passage blockage with potential surgery or a CPAP machine or a simple dental appliance. The cone beam will dramatically help identify and label symptoms to identify methods to get quicker and safer results.

The Benefits to You

We’ve mentioned earlier a couple of the benefits. First and foremost, you subject yourself to less radiation when pursuing this technological scanning. The second benefit is the 3D scan and the guess work it takes out many orthodontic procedural treatment plans. The cone beam can easily identify an abscess on the root of an aching tooth. It is also a powerful dental implant planner for your orthodontics before implant process. Even more impressive, cone beam helps diagnosis of airway issues by giving doctors different views of upper airway. An immediate problem identified and an immediate solution.

As the cone beam technology is introduced and involved in more and more decisions it’s hard to imagine providing good dental and orthodontic care without it. The technology, between the scanner and the software, simply deliver far better information for the tending orthodontic dentist, a better treatment plan is devised, and you end up with a better and quicker solution. The perfect example of a win-win scenario.

Since nothing can hide from the 3D scanning and imaging you may discover something else that you and Dr. Pan did not know existed. In this regard, you both are able to practice preventive dentistry and address an issue before it becomes a problem that you are then reacting too.

Cone Beam CT has been a great addition to the dental industry and continues to improve dental practices.