3D Cone Beam

At Oral and Facial Surgery Center, we stay on top of all the latest technological advances so we can create a better experience for our patients. Here, we take a look at some new 3D imaging technology, including 3D cone beam computed tomography, that is making dental treatments easier.

What is 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography?

3D cone beam tomography is a medical diagnostic imaging technology that uses conventional x-ray tomography but spreads the radiation in a cone-shaped beam. This allows us to get a more comprehensive picture of a patient’s teeth and jawbone.

The technology uses a cone-shaped beam of radiation that rotates around the head in a complete 360-degree circle and takes several pictures from all angles. These pictures are then combined seamlessly into a single panoramic image.

Uses of 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography

3D cone beam computed tomography is used to diagnose dental and oral conditions, which cannot be easily identified by traditional x-rays. It provides detailed imaging of the bone and is used to evaluate diseases of teeth, jaw, facial bones, sinuses, and the nasal cavity. However, it does not provide the full diagnostic information that is available through traditional computed tomography.

Radiation exposure is higher than that of conventional x-rays but lower than that of regular computed tomography. It is typically used for orthodontics, restoratives surgeries, and complicated cases that include:

•	Surgical diagnosis for impacted teeth.
•	Diagnosing temporomandibular disorders.
•	Placement of dental implants.
•	Detecting and measuring tumors in the jaw.
•	Help in designing the proper bite.
•	Checking out tooth orientation.
•	Evaluating the jaw, sinuses, nasal cavity, and the nerve canals.
•	Cephalometric analysis.
•	Reconstructive work.

Benefits of 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography

There are several benefits associated with the use of 3D cone beam computed tomography:

•	Cone beam CT offers a non-invasive and quick way to provide 3D imaging rather than 2D imaging provided by conventional x-rays, which can help in the quick diagnosis, planning, and treatment of certain conditions.
•	The focused, cone-shaped beam reduces scatter of radiation resulting in better-quality image.
•	A single scan can provide a variety of images from various angles that can provide a complete and more comprehensive evaluation.
•	Unlike conventional 2D x-rays, cone beam CT, can scan both soft and hard tissue at the same time.
•	A cone beam CT scan is quick and painless and takes between 20 to 40 seconds to scan the full mouth.
•	No radiation remains in the body after a scan. However, pregnant women should make their condition known so that we can take appropriate precautions.

Risks of 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography

As with all radiation-producing technology, cone beam CT also carries a few risks. Although radiation levels from cone beam CT are much less than other CT exams, they are higher than those from traditional x-rays. Young children are more sensitive to radiation than adults and have a longer expected lifespan for ill effects developing. Therefore, children should not be subjected to repeated cone beam CT exams, and they should only be done if necessary.

However, these concerns are very small, and the benefits of an accurate diagnosis far outweigh the risks.

If you have a specific dental complaint, call us at 337-443-2533 for our Lafayette location or 337-381-3663 for our Opelousas location to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kennedy and Dr. Ardoin and they will help you determine whether a cone beam CT scan can aid in your treatment.

Lafayette

Location
203A Energy Parkway
Lafayette, LA 70508

Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 12pm

Opelousas

Location
2351 Larkspur Lane
Opelousas, LA 70570

Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm
Friday: 8am - 12pm

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