CBCT: Imaging Beyond Dental X-Rays

CBCT: Imaging Beyond Dental X-Rays

Radiographic examination is essential in diagnosis and treatment planning in dentistry. The interpretation of an image can be altered by the anatomy of both the teeth and surrounding

structures. The amount of information gained from conventional x rays is limited.

Thus came into play, the dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), which is  a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient.  With cone beam CT, an x-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images. CBCT produces high-quality images.

Patient Preparation

A cone beam CT examination requires no special preparation. Prior to the examination, the patient may be asked to remove metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins and hearing aids. Although removable dental work may need to be removed, it is advisable to bring these along, as the dentist may need to examine them.

Women should always inform their dentist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. 

Uses of CBCT:
​1. Implantology

CBCT can give a clear picture about the quality of bone in which the implant is to be placed, the placement in relation to the surrounding structures and in cases where bone reconstruction may be required.

2. Surgery

This imaging modality allows for better diagnosis of tumors or cysts, the relationship of teeth to structures such as nerves, the presence and extent of impaction of teeth, extra teeth, foreign bodies, etc. With the correct knowledge about the presence, extent and relation of these structures, the oral surgeons are better equipped to deal with these anomalies.

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3. Trauma

CBCT is able to show a larger number of fracture lines and fractures when compared with conventional images, depicting precisely the position and orientation of displaced fragments in a reasonably short time interval.

These could be tooth and socket fractures, fractures of the orbit, fractures of the jaws or any other structure of the face and oral cavity.

4. Orthodontics

While planning orthognathic surgeries, to evaluate the amount of airspace, to evaluate clefts in the palate, for analysis of facial structures, teeth and jaws, to place braces, to assess facial growth, age or disturbances in the eruption of teeth.

5. Endodontics

To evaluate the presence of superimposed or extra root canals, the presence of infection or pathologies around the tooth root.

6. Periodontology

 CBCT allows for highly accurate analysis of bone loss as well as bone healing after periodontal treatment or regenerative therapy. 

7. Forensic Dentistry

CBCT was established as a non-invasive method to estimate the age of a person based on the pulp–tooth ratio.

The team at ITS Dental College Greater Noida is highly trained and equipped in the techniques of CBCT imaging, analyzing these images and providing the best possible treatment for our patients accordingly!

Sources:

Alamri HM, Sadrameli M, Alshalhoob MA, Sadrameli M, Alshehri MA. Applications of CBCT in dental practice: a review of the literature . 2012;60(5):390-400.

Shanmugasundaram Karpagavalli. Application Of CBCT In Dentistry 2011. J Indian Acad Oral Med Radiol. 23. 163-167

Dental Specialties - The 9 Realms

Everyone has to visit a dentist at some point in time. But do you know that dentistry has nine different specialties? 

Each specialty deals with a wide array of dental problems.

Oral Medicine, Diagnosis & Radiology

This branch deals with diseases of oral and surrounding structures, oral manifestation of systemic diseases and oral and dental treatment of medically compromised patients. Emphasis is laid patient’s history, clinical examination, diagnosis, investigations, radiographic examination and medical management of lesions related to oral cavity. This specialty also deals with various basic and advanced imaging techniques such as Intra-oral periapical radiographs, OPGs, CBCT, Cephalograms etc.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is that branch of dentistry that deals with diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of human jaws, oral cavity and associated structures. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons deal with a variety of cases such as complex extractions, impactions, space infections, management of facial trauma, surgical corrections of clefts, correction of pathologies such as cysts and tumors and reconstructive surgeries. 

Prosthodontics

It is a branch of dentistry that deals with the replacement and restoration of lost or damaged teeth and the associated soft tissues by fixed or removable prosthesis.. Prosthodontists also deal with full mouth rehabilitation and smile designing and are popularly called ‘Architects of the smile’. This specialty deals with the fabrication and placement of complete dentures, removable partial dentures, implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, etc.

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Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics

This branch has two aspects. Conservative dentistry deals with the treatment of caries (cavities), malformed, discoloured, nonesthetic, or minimally fractured teeth and endodontics deals with treatment of pulpal (tooth nerve) and periapical diseases and dental pain management. This specialty pertains to saving infected teeth and maintaining their strength and integrity inside the mouth. Endodontists are specialized in performing complex restorations (fillings), root canal treatments, bleaching (tooth whitening), managing trauma to teeth, various aesthetic procedures, tooth surgeries, etc.

Orthodontics

It is a specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of malpositioned or mal-aligned teeth and jaws. It is concerned with facial growth and the development of the teeth and how they should correctly occlude for proper function. It deals with diagnosing, intercepting and correcting malocclusion. Orthodontists use conventional braces or advances such as ceramic braces, invisalign or lingual braces as well as certain appliances to make crooked teeth and jaws straight for a perfect smile.

Periodontics

It is the specialty that studies supporting structures of teeth,  that is the gums and bone as well as diseases and conditions that affect them. They look into various diseases of the mouth such as gum inflammation and bleeding, recession and bone defects of the tooth socket. Periodontists deal with treatments such as scaling, root planning, placement of implants, gum surgeries, treatment of bony defects, LASER treatments, etc. 

Pedodontics

Pedodontics or pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty that focuses on treatment of infants, children, and young adults. Their aim is to manage anxious children through behavior management and instill a positive dental attitude in them. Pedodontists deal with most of the dental issues in children including extractions, root canals, maintaining space in the mouth for the permanent teeth, tooth surgeries, minor orthodontic correction, management of early childhood caries and full mouth rehabilitation. They are also adept at treating children under conscious sedation.

Public Health Dentistry

It deals with the prevention of oral disease and promotion of oral health. This specialization deals with studying the cause and distribution of a disease in the population and how to control it. Outreach programmes, community camps are school camps are frequently held to screen for dental problems and intercept them early. Health talks are organized and the harmful effects of tobacco are emphasized on and tobacco cessation is prioritized.  

Oral Pathology

Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions (the mouth and jaw areas). It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. It is the backbone that allows for better diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases by the other speacialties.

Advancements in Dentistry
Promising Faster & Affordable Treatments 

1. Clear Aligners

Clear Aligners: The invention of clear aligners eliminates any embarrassment that adult patients may feel if they need braces to straighten their smile. Clear aligners can move crooked teeth and close gaps without using metal brackets or wires. Consult with your dentist to see if clear aligners can align your smile.

2. Implant Improvements

Implant Improvements: Dental implant technology has greatly improved so that it is possible for patients to replace missing teeth with implants faster than ever before. Modern day dental implants capped by a crown, bridge, or denture look exactly like real teeth and are incredibly durable. They also have the highest success rate of any type of surgical implants.

3. Conscious Sedation

Conscious Sedation: Conscious sedation is a combination of medicines to help you relax (a sedative) and to block pain (an anesthetic) during a medical or dental procedure. You will probably stay awake, but may not be able to speak. Conscious sedation lets you recover quickly and return to your everyday activities soon after your procedure. It is commonly used for children and helps them undergo treatment with no or minimal discomfort 

4. Endo Motors in Root Canal Treatment

Advantages of using Endo Motors over manual RCTs - 

Faster treatment (often in one appointment), Patients feel much more comfortable during the treatment, More reliable, No unpleasant noises, More precision (the flexibility of instruments allows a better negotiation of curved canals), Higher quality treatments (more consistent). ITS performs more than 700 RCTs per month and endo motors are used for most cases.

5. Advanced Diagnostics - CBCT, OPG

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT): is a medical imaging technique consisting of X-ray computed tomography and gives a comprehensive view of the human facial bone structure. During dental/orthodontic imaging, the CBCT scanner rotates around the patient's head, obtaining up to nearly 600 distinct images. 

CBCT has become increasingly important in treatment planning and diagnosis in implant dentistry, ENT, orthopedics, and interventional radiology (IR), among other things. Perhaps because of the increased access to such technology, CBCT scanners are now finding many uses in dentistry, such as in the fields of oral surgery, endodontics and orthodontics. Integrated CBCT is also an important tool for patient positioning and verification in image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). 

6. Ultra-Sonic Scaling

Ultrasonic Scaling: Tooth cleaning isn't just about appearances. It's the primary means of preventing and treating periodontal (gum) disease. Over time, dental plaque (a naturally occurring bacterial biofilm) and stains build up on tooth surfaces. Dental calculus (also called tartar), a harder deposit, can then form both above and below the gum line. A thorough dental cleaning removes these substances from the teeth, and helps keep disease-causing bacteria from proliferating. At one time, scaling was performed entirely with manual tools. But in the last several decades, the ultrasonic scaler has changed all that with one-third time, minimal discomfort, deeper & better cleaning

7. Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening: Improvements to whitening chemicals and methods make whitening your teeth safe, easy, and convenient. Although prescription strength treatments with whitening trays are available, the most effective whitening treatments are performed by a dentist in person.

8. Cavities? Composite Restorations are here

Composite Restorations: Worried about cavities? Well, you should! The cavities start as minor pits in teeth which, if not filled in within time, may lead to deeper pits and ultimately touch the nerves leading to serious pain. Food lodging happens in these pits which can lead to many other oral diseases. 

Good news - Synthetic resins evolved as restorative materials since they were insoluble, of good tooth-like appearance, insensitive to dehydration, easy to manipulate and reasonably inexpensive.

                                

 
                               

9. Practice Management Software

Practice Management Software: Computerized programs that keep track of patients allow dentists to be more organized. Practice management software streamlines the administrative processes in a practice, which enables dentists to spend more time focusing on their patients’ needs.

Courtesy - Wikipedia & coastdental.com

• Dental Advancements

• Dentistry
• Dental
• RCT
• Root Canal Treatment
• Implants
• Crowns
• Scaling
• Whitening
• CBCT
• Oral Health
• Dental Health
• Dental Hospital
• Greater Noida