3D Cone Beam
Gilbert, AZ
 A Three Dimensional (3D) Cone Beam is a type of computed tomography (CT) imaging device used to take high quality x-rays of your mouth, teeth, and surrounding oral structures. Its name comes from the cone shape of the x-ray beams that are used instead of traditional fan shaped beams. Like other CT devices used by our professionals here at San Tan Oral Surgery, it investigates teeth, its surrounding bones, and associated soft tissues to conduct patient diagnoses and plan for personalized dental treatments. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the 3D Cone Beam has been sold and distributed in the United States since the early 2000’s as an effective tool used in the dental and radiological field.
The Importance of 3D Cone Beam
At times, it is difficult for conventional 2D X-rays to obtain the precision of imaging needed for complex diagnoses. With a 3D Cone Beam, the imaging can be used to strategize a treatment plan while being mindful of nerves and soft tissues in your mouth. With increased accuracy, you can be assured that the treatment plan will be more suitable to your needs. The 3D Cone Beam is recommended for planning associated with dental implants, difficult wisdom teeth extractions, in-depth reviews of abnormal teeth, diagnosing root canals, identifying cavities, tumors, and other complex dental conditions.
How does a 3D Cone Beam Work?
Before the 3D Cone Beam begins imaging, you will be asked to remove any jewelry, eyeglasses, or metal accessories to prevent distorting the images. You then bite onto the jaw positioner to align to the machine. From there, all you have to do is sit and relax while imaging takes place. The machine rotates around your head to obtain enough pictures and data to reconstruct a 3D image of your teeth, mouth, jaws, ears, and throat. The scan takes less than a minute to obtain the data and create images. After your images are reviewed and analyzed by our team of medical professionals, we will communicate the results with you to discuss your findings and options.
Benefits of a 3D Cone Beam
The first reason a 3D Cone Beam is better than a traditional dental x-ray is because of its accuracy. Unlike conventional 2D X-rays, the 3D Cone Beam uses software to create detailed images of your teeth and surrounding oral structures. Its ability to capture information for both bones and soft tissues is due to the rotation of the images instead of stacking the images on top of each other. This is critical to making the best decision on complex dental conditions. Since it uses a quick and noninvasive process, it is advantageous to conventional x-rays. This also means that it is a quick and painless process. While radiation exposure is slightly higher in 3D Cone Beams, it is lower than other forms of CT scans. Furthermore, you obtain the image without any side effects, you can feel comfortable with the diagnostic.
How do I know if 3D Cone Beam Imaging is for me?
The 3D Cone Beam is referred by our dental professionals after traditional imaging methods have been used first. For more information, and to find out if you can benefit from a 3D Cone Beam, call San Tan Oral Surgery at (480) 604-2592 today.
Resource: Dental Cone-beam Computed Tomography
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