3-D Dental Imaging and Implants

By Celeste Balino, DDS

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), a type of 3D technology, is now available that offers new options for dental implant patients. CBCT produces an extremely precise scan of the head and neck, which is then fed into a software program that depicts the anatomy of the patient in three dimensions.

This can be visualized as a virtual reproduction that is accurate within a tenth of a millimeter. This information can be viewed by the dentist chair-side with the patient. The images are especially important in the placement of dental implants, which is when an artificial tooth root is placed into the jawbone to hold single or multiple replacement teeth.

What type of screening is available for dental implant planning?

Customary panoramic x-rays provide two-dimensional scans that illustrate the height and contour of the jawbone. Now, this new technology can indicate bone width and density and the precise location of nerves or blood vessels.

Three-dimensional computerized tomography (CT) dental imaging can be a quick and relatively safe diagnostic exam that produces life-like spatial views of the mouth, which helps the dentist determine, pre-surgically, if a patient is an implant candidate. With 3D imaging, a dentist will know the amount of bone a patient has, the distance to the nerves and the exact angle to position the implant.

CT dental imaging is used during a patient's consultation appointment. The more information a dentist has about the anatomy of the patient's mouth before a dental implant, the better chance of an optimal outcome. Important measurements for the dentist to know include the width and density of the bony ridge in order to assess implant feasibility, as well as the exact location of nerves in order to prevent painful nerve damage.

CT dental imaging is not just used for dental implants. It can also be used to help dentists visualize nerve locations prior to wisdom tooth extraction.

As technology advances, talk to your dentist about how computerized dental imaging can benefit you.