How Our 3D Imaging Technology Enhances Treatment
At Brooklyn Heights Dental, we are proud to provide our patients with the most up-to-date dental procedures available. The 3D imaging technology we use at our Brooklyn Heights, New York, practice is one of the best examples of how we meet this standard. For years, dentists and oral surgeons have relied on computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans to create detailed cross-sectional views of the face and jaw. Building upon this technology, the newer cone beam 3D imaging systems create extremely detailed views that can clearly show bone structure and density, as well as tissues and nerves. Mainly used as an aid to plan dental implant treatment and other kinds of oral surgery, 3D imaging makes treatment significantly faster, easier, and more precise. To learn more about how this technology can enhance your restorative, general, or cosmetic dentistry treatment, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment.
3D Imaging in Dentistry
Compared to 2D x-rays, dental scans using 3D technology are truly revolutionary. Also known as cone beam 3D imaging or cone beam computer tomography (CBCT), these imaging systems create a spiral beam of x-rays using a cone-shaped beam.
Mainly used as an aid to plan dental implant treatment and other kinds of oral surgery, 3D imaging makes treatment significantly faster, easier, and more precise.
The scanner builds up the images and layers them on top of one another to generate 3D images of the body’s inner structures. We can use these 3D scans to:
- Optimize the placement of dental implants
- Pinpoint the location of nerves
- Measure jawbone density in the area where the implant will be placed
- Decide on the appropriate implant size and shape
- See the precise orientation and position of each tooth
- View teeth that are impacted
- Evaluate the temporomandibular joints for degenerative changes when treating TMJ disorder
- Learn the proximity of lower wisdom teeth to the mandibular nerve before extraction
- Evaluate the teeth and bone for signs of infection, cysts, and tumors
In sum, the extremely detailed view that these images provide has changed the way diagnoses can be made and has greatly advanced treatment success and predictability.
The SIDEXIS 4 System
As a complement to our 3D imaging system, we have invested in SIDEXIS 4 software. This new gold standard in software imports images from different types of equipment (in addition to our scanner), and allows us to view them in a single place. Diagnosis and treatment planning is more efficient because all visual data can be seen at once in its highest resolution. SIDEXIS 4 facilitates the way we can present information to our patients, as well as communicating and coordinating with our staff, laboratory, and other dental specialists.
What to Expect During a 3D Scan
The process of getting a 3D scan is fast and easy. There is no special preparation, but we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing and leaving your jewelry at home. Prior to the exam, we might ask you to remove other items that could interfere with imaging, such as glasses, hairpins, and hearing aids. Then you will simply sit while the machine rotates around your head in a complete 360-degree circle to take the images. You will need to remain still, however, the process takes less than a minute to complete.
Learn More
We are committed to providing comprehensive dental care to patients with an emphasis on conservatism, aesthetics, and comfort. Our 3D imaging technology combined with the latest software helps us to reach this goal while reducing your treatment time and enhancing your results. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
