3D Cone Beam X-ray (CBCT)

A CBCT scan produces a crystal-clear 3D image of the teeth, jaw, sinuses, and surrounding structures to allow thorough examination of the oral environment for issues not always detectable on traditional two-dimensional dental x-rays. While the full mouth series and bitewing (check-up) x-rays excel at detecting decay and incipiencies (small starting cavities), the 3D CBCT scan is superior for diagnosing bone infections and evaluating bone density.

Vatech Green CT Machine (Low Radiation)

Meetinghouse Dental Care's low exposure 3D imaging by our Vatech Green CT machine produces highly diagnostic CBCT scans (commonly referred to as Cone Beam Scans) with very low radiation (15µSv to 110µSv) compared to a traditional medical CT (2,000µSv – 5,000µSv).

CBCT Scan Benefits

A patient may experience sensitivity or neuralgia for which the dentist cannot identify root cause. Taking a digital single tooth x-ray, which is standard of care, often results in images that appear clinically stable. The CBCT scan gives our dentists another level of diagnostic capability that often allows us to find hidden issues.

Our doctors can evaluate a scan for abscessed teeth, re-infected root canals, areas of chronically unhealed bone, bone density, sinus issues, TMJ complications, airway health, and more, creating a detailed report that provides background information, explains our findings, and provides a thorough summary and recommendation.

A 3D CBCT scan is the most definitive way to examine issues such as the stability

of old root canals and the bone density in extraction sites.

Hidden Dental Infections

Digital dental x-rays are great for looking at decay, but, because they are a two-dimensional picture of a three-dimensional object, multiple layers of tooth/bone get superimposed into one flat image, sometimes hiding dental issues. The two images on the right are of the same tooth on the same day. The infection was not at the tip of the tooth where it can be picked up on a digital 2D x-ray. The CBCT scan allowed for rotation of the tooth, exposing the rather large infection hidden behind the tip of the old root canaled tooth.

Cavitations

A cavitation is an area of necrotic (dead) bone that interrupts oxygen and blood supply to the affected bone, resulting in a potential breeding ground for bacteria. Trapped inside the bone, bacteria release waste toxins that can affect surrounding bone as well as the rest of the body. Cavitations can form due to improper healing of bone following an extraction of a tooth. Diagnosing and treating the areas of compromised bone is often essential to overall health. Areas of necrotic bone (cavitations) cannot be detected with visual examination and are almost impossible to diagnose on traditional two-dimensional radiographs.

CBCT Reports and Pricing

A Single Tooth Scan ($75) is used to evaluate a specific area of the mouth. This scan is often used to examine an area of pain or to check the stability of a root canaled tooth before proceeding with a restoration. (No report.)

Scan to Assess Site for Implant Placement ($140) is used to evaluate bone density / healing in a specific area targeted for ceramic implant placement. The 3D software allows our dentist to select the size and shape of the ceramic implant and to seat it virtually in the scan in order to check angle and spacing.

A Full Scan and Evaluation ($400) is a larger field of view and is used to evaluate the entire mouth for possible issues. The written report provided is extensive and covers all discovered problems with explanations, pictures, and recommended solution options. Full report scans are typically taken if we suspect multiple oral issues or if the full scan is requested by a health care provider who needs a complete breakdown of the patient's oral environment.

The price for the CBCT scan includes the scan and the report written by Dr. Trovato. Implant evaluations are done by Dr. He. Our CBCT technician will explain the 3D scan of the mouth in general terms, but clinical observations need to be determined by a dentist and delivered in the report. Full reports take about 3 weeks for the doctor to prepare.

The Full Report includes information on:

Abscessed teeth
Re-infected root canals
Areas of chronically unhealed bone
Bone density
Sinus issues
TMJ analysis
Airway analysis
Oral galvanism
Etc.

Want to know more about our 3D cone beam X-ray or are you ready to set up to get one taken?

Please visit www.meetinghousedental.com or call our biologic dental office,

Meetinghouse Dental Care (215) 293-0909 today.