3D imaging, also called cone beam CT scanning, is an advanced dental x-ray that produces 3D images of your teeth using less radiation than traditional x-rays. As such, 3D imaging is more advanced, allows more accurate diagnostics, and is safer.
Sapphire Smiles is an advanced Houston dental clinic where we use the latest cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. Please continue reading to learn more about cone beam CT scanning at Sapphire Smiles.
3D imaging is often called cone beam CT scanning, named after the technology that facilitates the procedure. “Cone beam” refers to the conical shape of the x-ray beam that the scanner releases. By sending out the x-ray beam from various angles, it forms an accurate image of your head from different angles, thus producing a 3D representation of your head.
Unlike traditional x-rays, 3D imaging creates both 2D and 3D scans along with scans of your soft tissues rather than just your bones and teeth. Furthermore, since the image is produced on a computer, the dentist can zoom, rotate, or view the image from different angles, allowing them to focus on problem areas to identify the smallest anomalies in your teeth, bones, gums, airways, and other dental structures.
3D imaging is a completely painless and simple procedure that concludes within a few minutes with no preparation necessary. The cone beam CT scanner is attached to an arm that moves around your head as you stand or sit. You have to place your chin on a designated area while the dentist will raise or lower the scanner to a comfortable height. Once the dentist activates the scanner, you have to hold as still as possible for accurate results. However, since the scan concludes in less than half a minute, holding still shouldn’t be an issue.
Some of the dental x-rays, such as bitewing x-rays, need you to bite down on a sensor. 3D imaging doesn’t require that you bite down on a sensor, but you may have to bite down on a small disposable tab. However, this is merely done to ensure alignment and not for any sensory purposes. Your face needs to be perfectly aligned and centered on the CT scanner for an accurate image. Your dentist may also use a brace or a strap to hold your head still during the scan. The dentist or another team member may also be there to hold your head still, if necessary.
The following is an overview of some of the most common use cases of 3D imaging:
There’s no special preparation required for cone beam CT scanning. Your dentist may ask you to remove some of the objects and accessories that may obstruct the results of the scan, such as glasses, pins, jewelry, etc. If you wear dental appliances, such as braces, your dentist may have to remove them. However, that’s something the dentist will decide during your consultation.
The 3D imaging procedure is completely painless and noninvasive — you don’t feel anything. You can resume your daily activities immediately after the procedure and wait for the results. Your dentist will examine the results and communicate them with you.
The cone beam CT scanner is a square-shaped device that may come with a chair or a table on which you can sit or lie down during the procedure. The CT scanners with chairs also include a rotating arm and an x-ray image intensifier. The CT scanners with tables also include a rotating gantry.
Sapphire Smiles is a state-of-the-art dental clinic in Houston Heights equipped with the latest and safest dental technologies. We use the latest diagnostic technologies, such as intraoral cameras, digital x-rays, and called cone beam CT scanning to diagnose dental problems at the earliest stage, allowing us to preemptively treat diseases. For more information, please schedule an appointment with our Houston dental clinic today.
