Computer tomography of teeth

Today, cone beam computer tomography is an integral diagnostic service of a modern dental clinic.

“Dubnova’s Clinic “STOMATOLOGiYA” always goes in the vanguard of dental technologies, methods and equipment, offering its clients diagnostic testing on a cone beam computer tomograph. This provides an opportunity to see the notable difference and create a comfort for the clients of the clinic.

When do you need a cone beam computer tomography of teeth?

Cone beam computer tomography or more simply CBCT of teeth is performed when you need to see the anatomical features of the structure of the teeth (for example, diagnose the presence / absence and position of the third that have not yet erupted), teeth primordia, dental roots, canals and state of bone tissue of the jaws, as well as to confirm a preliminary diagnosis.
CBCT is also used to estimate a level of the bone tissue while treating the gums.
If the teeth are in the wrong position, CBCT is performed before the start of the orthodontic treatment in order to visualize the location of the roots and the impacted teeth.
In case of trauma of the maxillofacial area, CBCT shows fractures of the bones, jaw displacement, damage to the roots of the teeth, and other problems that cannot be detected by visual inspection.
To treat the canals of the tooth, CBCT can: find additional canals, diagnose inflammatory processes, and estimate the quality of previous treatment and the features of anatomy before starting treatment.
In the case of neoplasms in the oral cavity, the CBCT comes to help the doctor to assess the size and prevalence of the inflammation area.
When planning dental surgery, CBCT can assess the anatomical features of a specific zone and predict the duration and extent of the operation.

The results of dental cone beam computer tomography are used in therapeutic, surgical, orthopedic, orthodontic treatment and in pediatric dentistry.

Cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) of teeth is the stage of complex diagnosis of teeth. Having precise data, the team of specialists determines all existing problems and selects the most effective treatment. However, cone beam computer tomography data can be useful not only for dentists. For example, a snapshot of the maxillary sinuses can be useful for check-up with an otolaryngologist (ENT).

How is cone beam computer tomography performed, and how should you be prepared?

A cone beam computer tomography is performed by applying the same principle that the muscles, soft tissues and bones of our body differently pass X-rays. The X-ray passes through the body and is captured by a special detector. The computer records the signals coming from the detector, converting them into a series of pictures, on the basis of which the computer builds a 3D model – a CBCT scan.

The scanning procedure itself is absolutely painless and lasts 0.7 – 19 seconds. (depending upon the type of examination) and does not require any preparation.

The result of the examination in digitized form can be recorded on any data medium (disk, USB flash drive) or downloaded to a file hosting service.

Cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) allows:

o see the teeth that have not yet been carved and to estimate their position (which, for example, is very important when planning orthodontic treatment),
Detect neoplasms and examine their structure, which in turn often eliminates the need for additional more invasive diagnostic tests,
Clarify the affection of any traumas,
Ensure the best possible treatment planning, which avoids mistakes and complications, and helps to achieve positive results in the shortest possible time,
Visualize the presence of inflammatory processes (granulomas, cysts),
Assess the degree of destruction of the jawbone,
Find out all the characteristics of the bone in order to find the most appropriate dental implant for the client,
Identify abnormalities of the teeth or facial skeleton (which is important for preparation to the orthognathic surgery).

VATECH PaX-i3D Smart – a model of the latest generation of TECH & E-WOO, South Korea – the world leader in the production of tomographs, is used in our clinic.

Photo 1. Computerized dental tomograph VATECH PaX-i3D Smart

Its distinctive features are:

1 SCAN = 2 IMAGES. This means that one scan allows you to get not only a CBCT image, but a panoramic image. Moreover, it is important for patients who require both tests, since they will not receive additional X-ray exposure.

Photo 2. One scan – 2 images

LOW DOSE – low dose of X-ray and HIGH IMAGE QUALITY – high image accuracy. It works on ultra-low doses, so this type of examination has virtually no contraindications for age (the minimum radiation load is 6-10 times less than with conventional spiral tomography, which is used in general medicine and has less accuracy).

Photo 3. The dose of X-ray exposure at the VATECH PaX-i3D Smart tomograph and standard (spiral) tomography

Voxel size – analogue of pixel – is lower in this tomograph than in others, which allows to get more accurate pictures and conduct better diagnostics,
Thanks to 3D visualization, the doctor can simulate different processes, for example, the process of implantation of the tooth. This, in turn, makes it possible to achieve maximum accuracy during the implantation of a dental implant and minimize possible complications. In addition, it allows the doctor to use the data in order to maximize visualization and explain to the client the upcoming implantation procedure.

Photo 4. 3D visualization and simulation for implantation of teeth

Thanks to an innovative device in the form of an arc in this tomograph model, a doctor can get a wider view of the dentition. For example, a doctor can see the wisdom tooth (tooth number 8), which lies on its side (in other tomographs there is a high probability that such a tooth will be cut from the image).

Photo 5. Wide view angle of the dentition, no hidden zones.

Provides the most accurate and high-quality panoramic image. A clear and correct panoramic image provides better diagnostics, which is especially important for getting an idea of the state of the front teeth and roots.
Scanning is performed in the “standing” and “sitting” position and is almost noiseless, which is especially important for carrying out this kind of test for children, who can be frightened by unusual and strong sounds. No special preparation for the СBCT is required.
The high quality of the resulting image gives a lot of diagnostic features.

Cone beam computer tomography of the jaws is the most objective and reliable method of diagnosis in modern dentistry.

Advantages of CBCT over X-ray:

By contrast with the X-ray, which produces a flat (2D) image, at computer tomogram we get a 3D image that allows us to estimate the sizes of structures in all planes, which is more informative for the doct
With CBCT, we get a clear size of the structures while at X-ray there is some distortion of the dimensions as a result of imposing the image on the linear plane.