Unless you’ve never been to a dentist or periodontist in Chester, NJ, you know that getting x-rays is standard operating procedure for prevention and intervention.  What you might not know is that many dental practitioners have begun to use Cone Beam CT scans for some patients.

The Cone Beam CT scan is different from typical x-rays because it gives a 3D, not a 2D, look at what’s happening inside the mouth.  This means your dental provider is able to more comprehensively see potential problems with the advantage of true perspective.

Cone Beam CT scans are not used for all cases because x-rays provide adequate insights under normal circumstances.  When a more in-depth look into the soft and hard tissues of the mouth is needed, such as for dental implants, a Cone Beam CT scans offer further precision.

If your periodontist suggests a Cone Beam CT scan, you can count on the following benefits:

•        It makes the placement of dental implants more precise.  According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, more than eight million dental implants are placed by trained dental professionals each year.* The Cone Beam CT scan is utilized to determine where to best place implant posts, as well as to be certain that the tissues and bone of the mouth can adequately support the implants. It reduces risks associated with dentistry. The more periodontists are able to increase their ability to see what’s happening inside your mouth, the better your outcomes with any treatments.
•        It is non-invasive. This makes it possible for just about anyone, even people with dental fear, to accept a Cone Beam CT scan.  Because it’s so rapid, most patients are surprised when the scan is finished.
•       It is gaining popularity. As with all cutting-edge, emerging technologies, not all periodontists have access to Cone Beam CT scanners.  In the future, it will become as much of a gold standard as low-radiation x-rays currently are.

The Cone Beam CT scan is just one of the amazing evolutions in dentistry. The next time you visit your periodontist in Chester, NJ to discuss anything from gum disease to dental implants, don’t be surprised if you have the opportunity to sit for images on the Cone Beam CT machine.

*(source: http://www.aaid.com/about/press_room/dental_implants_faq.html)