If you plan on seeking restorative or cosmetic dentistry services, such as dental implants, you may be interested in 3D dental imaging services. In this guide, we will go over some of the benefits of 3D dental imaging, so you can feel informed and confident when seeking treatment.
How Does 3D Dental Imaging Work?
To take pictures of your teeth and jaw, Dr. Hopkins use a special machine called a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machine. This machine allows Dr. Hopkins to get a better look at your teeth by creating a 3D image that replicates the look of your teeth look in real life. 3D dental imaging makes it easier to effectively plan treatment or accurately diagnose oral health concerns. This is because 3D imaging allows Dr. Hopkins to see the height, width, and depth of each individual tooth in your smile.
Traditional x-rays that only show dentists a limited picture are quickly becoming outdated as more and more dentists turn to CBCT technology. From one 3D scan, your dentist will be able to see your teeth, muscles, nerves, disease, infection, and more.
3D imaging can be used in a variety of dental procedures, including:
What Can I Expect?
You will be asked to place your head on a chin rest to prevent movement during the scan. The machine will then rotate around your head for a few seconds to take pictures of your teeth, jaw, and skull. During the procedure, you will be exposed to minimal amounts of radiation which produce 100 to 600 images. The amount of radiation you receive during 3D dental imaging procedures is significantly less than for traditional dental x-rays
How Does 3D Dental Imaging Affect Me?
Patients prefer 3D dental imaging technology because it takes less time than traditional x-rays, while being more accurate. 3D digital dental x-rays also help orthodontists, cosmetic dentists, and tooth restoration dentists plan treatment. For example, a CBCT machine can assess bone quality so Dr. Hopkins can determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.
Clear Correct patients benefit from 3D dental imaging as well because it allows Dr. Hopkins to focus in on teeth that still need to move into proper alignment. Even if you don’t have any oral health concerns, 3D dental imaging can help Dr. Hopkins catch small issues before they grow into a problem.