Do I Really Need a CT Scan to Place Dental Implants?
The answer is YES! One of the fastest growing demands in dental implant procedures is the utilization of CBCT scans. It provides the anatomical accuracy required for diagnosis, treatment planning, surgical execution and follow-ups for implant procedures. Traditional two-dimensional imaging modalities such as panoramic and intraoral images are no longer enough to give you adequate information required for implant planning.
Dental Implant planning and placement is easier and more reliable with CBCT imaging. Data required for implant planning such as quality and quantity of bone, nerve proximity, buccolingual dimensions, location of anatomical landmarks such as maxillary sinus, naso-palatine canal, mental foramina, nasal cavity and neighboring teeth helps dentists plan a systematic approach to implant placement. Surgical placement of implants with a CBCT scan is less invasive, more precise and predictable.
What’s Wrong with Free-Hand Implant Placement?
Honestly, free-hand implant placement without CBCT scans is fine. But that’s like taking a shot in the dark. You are more likely to fail in the long term. CBCT scans eliminate errors caused by manual placement of implants. Undistorted views of the teeth, jaws, and bones in axial, sagittal, cross-sectional and panoramic views can be easily generated with a CBCT scan. We often hear about free hand implant procedures gone horribly wrong because of improper positioning or a lack of sufficient bone height and width.
For instance, implants get placed in the maxillary sinus cavity or end up at the base of the skull. Traditional dental imaging cannot detect neighboring structures due to spatial complexity. These drawbacks can be reduced with a CBCT scan. CBCT scans provide an accurate picture of the maxillary sinus and its position in relation to the available bone. It also allows the implantologist to measure the bone and select the size and length of the implants according to the available bone.
Should my Patients be Worried About the Radiation Dose?
The dental radiation dose of a CBCT scan has always been a major concern for patients and dentists. It has been determined that the amount of radiation received for a CBCT is minimal in comparison to what we receive on a daily basis living on this planet. The radiation dose is much lower compared to traditional imaging. However, it is always good to be careful with the amount of radiation and use the principles of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).
What if I Don’t Want to Buy a CBCT Scanner for My Practice?
You do not need to buy a CBCT scanner as there are other outside vendors who can provide this service. These scans be imported to your computer and special software can be used to view images in DICOM format. Sirona and other third-party companies offer computer-assisted implant planning applications.
As CBCT has become the standard for the healthcare industry, companies such as Zentist have made it possible for dentists to try their hand at implant procedures without making a dent in their pocket. Zentist takes care of your diagnostic needs while you focus on your clinical goals.
With Zentist Diagnostics, dentists can expect CT scans, diagnostic workups, suggested treatment plans along with average implant pricing based on zip codes and patient’s health information and other preferences. Dentists and industry insiders have certainly welcomed the technological change Zentist has made in helping the industry evolve.
For more information on what Zentist is doing in helping the dental community be more efficient and effective in improving the patient outcomes visit Zentist.io
