As we wrap up our introduction of the new CBCT scanning available in Raleigh’s best dental office, we want to emphasize our excitement over being able to serve our customers in new and advanced ways. When we can improve the quality of our technology, we can also improve the quality of our care.
This month, we’re discussing the benefits of CBCT scans, some of which we’ve already covered in the previous posts, but in more detail.
For information regarding exactly what CBCT is or how it compares to other types of x-rays, click on these links to the previous posts in the series.
Blog posts in this series
Benefits of dental CBCT
We’ve mentioned benefits of CBCT scanning throughout the series, but we want to emphasize the most important ones here:
- Exceptional detail. CBCT scans show greater detail in images, allowing Dr. Ladimer to see soft tissue, bone, and dental structures, which standard imaging techniques do not. This helps us see issues in your gums, jaw, roots, adenoids, sinuses and more! We can even see exact locations of infections and detect lesions that may indicate more serious issues.
- 3D imaging. When we take images using bite wing, panoramic, or other 2D imaging systems, we often get distortion, overlap, and other impairments in the images. When we are taking annual images that give us an overview of your oral health, these abnormalities are acceptable and normal. However, when we are evaluating your roots for canals or your jaw for placement of dental implants, we need the clearest image possible, and CBCT gives that to us in three dimensions.
- Ease of use. Before we brought the CBCT machine into our office, if we needed detailed and precise images of our patients’ mouths, we had to send them off-site to get CT scans at local imaging centers. Now, we can do the scanning right here in our Raleigh office and get results quicker, too.
- Less invasive. Not only is the equipment less invasive during the scan (no uncomfortable bite wings!), but it makes procedures less invasive as well, leading to quicker recovery and less down time. Because of the precision and detail in the 3D images, Dr. Ladimer or your implant surgeon know exactly where to go in your mouth.
Going beyond the surface in excellent dental care
While we will be using the CBCT scanner to evaluate our patients for dental procedures and oral surgeries, the images it provides can help get to the root of other issues, too. For instance, many patients have been given insight on why they can’t sleep well because of sleep apnea, blocked sinuses, and other airway disorders. While we do not treat these conditions in our office, our CBCT images can help patients get the treatments they need from other specialists.
CBCT images also display glands and lymph nodes. These areas can harbor cancer and other conditions that are not visible in traditional 2D scans, so the CBCT becomes instrumental in early detection of potentially dangerous illnesses. CBCT also offers the benefit of lower doses of radiation than regular CT scans, which is important for the overall health of our patients.
We practice patient-centered care
New procedures and technology can be daunting and scary for patients. We understand that here at New Hope Dental Care, Raleigh’s best dentist, and we want to make sure that our patients feel comfortable in our office. We hope that spending three whole months sharing information about the procedure and its benefits has put everyone’s minds at ease, but if you still have questions or concerns regarding CBCT, we are happy to address them.
Keep in mind that CBCT is not fully replacing conventional x-rays in our office, and you may not even see the scanner. It is recommended for specific types of evaluation, not everyday use. We will be sure to consult with each patient who may benefit from the high-quality imagery of the CBCT before using the option.
We look forward to seeing you in our office soon! We are always taking new patients, so if you haven’t visited us before, welcome!