What is a dental CT scan?

What is a CT scan?

A CT (computed tomography) scan is a noninvasive medical test that uses special X-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These images are then joined together by a computer to create cross-sectional views of the area being studied. Traditional panoramic X-rays performed by dentists provide only a limited two-dimensional view. While they can show the height and contour of the jawbone, they do not provide information on bone width and density, and may distort the location of the alveolar nerve. State-of-the-art, three-dimensional dental CT imaging removes the guesswork from implants. This quick and safe diagnostic imaging exam produces life-like spatial views of the mouth, allowing the surgeon to determine pre-surgically if a patient is an implant candidate. With 3D imaging, a surgeon can proceed with confidence, knowing the amount of bone a patient has, the distance to the alveolar nerve, and the exact angles for implant placement.

Why is a CT Scan Necessary Prior to Having Dental Implants?

A CT scan is the most effective diagnostic procedure to determine a patient’s suitability for dental implants. It provides a 3D computed tomography (CT) image of the lower area of the skull. From this image, we can determine the exact bone depth, width, density, and condition, along with the precise position of the nerve canal and sinus cavity. This significantly decreases the risk to the patient and increases the success of the implant.

When Should I Consider Dental CT Imaging?

Dental CT imaging is used when patients are being fitted for implants. The more information a surgeon has about the anatomy of the patient’s mouth before a dental implant, the better the outcome. Important measurements for the surgeon to know include the width and density of the jawbone ridge to assess implant feasibility and the exact placement of the alveolar nerve to prevent painful nerve damage. Dental CT imaging can also help visualize nerve location prior to wisdom tooth extraction.

What Type of Image Will I Have at My Appointment?

While individual problems are presented by each patient, most patients will benefit from a traditional panoramic image (the exact type of image will be determined based on your clinical problem). Traditional panoramic films are most often used to obtain screening views of the upper and lower jaw prior to performing wisdom tooth removal or for evaluating other problems related to the jaws, including the placement of dental implants. Panoramic images allow for a large amount of clinical information to be obtained with relatively low radiation exposure to the patient.

Problematic however: The Panoramic x-ray is a 2 dimensional image while the jaws and facial skeleton are 3-diminsional structures. Therefore, the Panoramic x-ray is unable to provide all the information sometimes required. As a commonly encountered example, the anatomy of the inferior alveolar nerve (and its relation to the roots of the wisdom teeth) is an important consideration during the evaluation process of wisdom tooth surgery. Its relation to areas of the lower jaw in cases of dental implant planning are also critical. In addition, the evaluation of sinus anatomy (in relation to the upper jaw bone) is often less than ideal with a Panoramic x-ray.