3D CT Imaging
We are fortunate to have an i-CAT 3-Dimensional CT scanner in our office. Though we don't use this state-of-the-art technology to image all of our patients, it provides valuable information in certain cases. In patients with impacted teeth, supernumerary (extra) teeth, missing teeth, skeletal discrepancies (jaw size issues) requiring surgery or growth modification, trauma (injury) to the face or teeth, or other abnormalities, a high definition, 3-D image of the affected area enables us to more accurately diagnose and better treat the problem. We have the ability to copy and share these images with your dentist, physician, or other dental specialists.
We also utilize the 3D imaging in conjunction with the Suresmile™ System. A 3-Dimensional scan of a patient's teeth and jaw relationship is uploaded to Suresmile™ where a 3-D computer model of the patient's teeth is created. Utilizing computer software, the teeth are moved to the ideal bite and alignment for that specific patient. This information is sent to a robot that bends custom orthodontic wires which when placed in that patient's braces, move the teeth to the ideal position created on the computer model.
A 3-D CT scan in our office differs from the traditional CT scan taken in a hospital or imaging center. Our CT utilizes cone beam technology, which means the x-ray source spins around the patients head once in a 20-40 second revolution, as compared with continuous revolutions over many minutes in a hospital CT scan. The difference is that our machine exposes patients to about 10% of the radiation that a traditional, hospital head CT does, which is the equivalent of 2-3 dental panoramic x-rays (those taken at your dentist's office).