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Uses of Cone Beam CT 

Over the past week or so, I have been posting information about the Cone-Beam Computed Tomography that Smile Station Dental recently acquired. While I have written about the technology behind it, I have not written much on what all the Cone-Beam CT can do besides render a three-dimensional X-ray image. I outline and expand upon the uses for the Cone-Beam CT in each part of dentistry. 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
The Cone-Beam CT has been used to determine the exact location and extent of jaw pathologies such as Temporomandibular Disorder (or TMD).  It can also locate the exact position of supernumerary teeth, assessing them for their position around vital structures.  The Cone-Beam CT has also been quite useful in assessing pre- and post-bone graft patients. 

Endodontics 
The Cone-Beam CT can also aid dentists in identifying possible abscessed teeth, going as far as helping them to measure the extent of the lesion and be able to explore other, non-invasive treatments. 

Implant Dentistry
Being able to measure the appropriate measurements is imperative for implant dentistry.  The 3D X-ray image allows for more precise measurements of the implant area as well as being able to visualize where vital structures are, enabling proper avoidance of these structures when placing the implant.

Periodontics 
The Cone-Beam CT allows for dentists to see the amount of bone present that is holding the teeth in place and measure the amount of bone loss, an advantage that was not possible with the 2D image from traditional X-rays. 

The Cone-Beam CT has many more uses than the ones I've outlined here, including uses for orthodontic and forensic dentistry.  Utilizing the Cone-Beam CT is fast becoming the standard of care for the dental profession.


Source: http://www.agd.org/media/121014/si_312.pdf


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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