CBCT Imaging for Better Dental Diagnosis

Have you been dealing with ongoing tooth pain or other symptoms? The right diagnosis helps determine the most suitable treatment. At Largo Endodontics, our state-of-the-art technology allows us to find out the cause with a highly accurate diagnosis.

We use the latest cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) to produce incredibly detailed images of tooth structures and surrounding areas. Let’s take a closer look at how this technology works and how it helps our endodontist provide exceptional care!

What Is CBCT Digital Imaging?

This is a type of technology used to create 3D images. When used in endodontics, it helps endodontists examine the affected tooth and the area around it in order to make a diagnosis. CBCT produces images that are much more detailed than traditional radiographs or X-ray images — resulting in improved diagnostics.

CareStream CS 9600 Imaging System

How Does It Work?

This technology uses an X-ray beam shaped like a cone to generate images. The beam moves around your head to capture a high number of images, including the following structures:

• Teeth
• Sinuses
• Bone

CBCT technology is designed for use in dental and endodontics offices. It’s not exactly the same as a CT scan that hospitals and doctor offices do, though it uses similar technology.

When Is It Used?

CBCT imaging is typically used when diagnosing tooth infections that may have reached deep into the pulp. These 3D images help us assess how much damage there is, where it is, and how severe it is. We need this information in order to accurately diagnose the affected tooth and recommend the right treatment approach.

We may use this technology in any of the following cases:

• Complex root canals due to the presence of extra canals or other factors
• Resorption where the body breaks teeth down and absorbs them
• Endodontic surgery planning for root canals and other procedures
• Tooth fractures

Benefits of Using 3D Cone Beam Digital Imaging

Why have we invested in this type of technology? Our office uses CBCT due to the many advantages it offers over traditional 2D X-rays. These benefits help improve our services and outcomes for our patients. Let’s explore a few of the main advantages of using CBCT imaging for tooth infections and other problems that affect the tooth root.

Improved Diagnostic Accuracy

Relying on 2D X-rays can lead to diagnoses that aren’t as accurate as they could be, affecting the type of treatment you receive and your outcome. We use CBCT imaging to make diagnoses with a much higher degree of accuracy. This allows us to create an endodontic treatment plan that gives you the best outcome.

More Detailed Mapping

The limitations of 2D technology make it hard to see enough details of the affected tooth and other areas. The scanning approach of CBCT allows us to take several images of the area from all angles, resulting in highly detailed images of your tooth, jawbone, and other structures. We evaluate these images for diagnostic and treatment planning purposes.

Enhanced Planning for Procedures

Endodontic surgery requires careful planning, especially if any complexities are involved. Whether you’re having a root canal done or another procedure, such as retreatment, CBCT imaging makes it possible for us to plan for it with even greater care. We assess these images to get all of the details needed to perform surgery, such as checking for extra canals or noting areas of calcification.

Optimized Outcomes for Root Canal Therapy

Root canals are a standard form of treatment for tooth infections. Though they’re considered effective and safe overall, outcomes may vary, depending on how they’re done and other factors. CBCT digital imaging allows us to take steps in order to improve the outcomes of this treatment. For example, we can make sure we reach all canals to remove infected material, clean them, and seal them up. This helps ensure the infections is completely cleared and lowers the risk of having another infection in the same tooth.

Is CBCT Safe?

Yes, we realize that some patients might have concerns about the use of radiation with CBCT imaging. It’s a common concern among those who have traditional X-rays done. Cone-beam X-rays do use radiation to capture images. But we minimize your exposure and ensure your safety throughout the image-taking process. Note that these machines emit low doses of radiation that are considered safe for many patients. If you have additional concerns, we’re here to help!

Schedule an Appointment With Our Endodontist Today!

Are you looking for relief from tooth pain? At Largo Endodontics, we can help determine what’s causing it and what kind of treatment works best for your situation. Our endodontist, Dr. Ernest Rillman, uses CBCT and other technology to provide accurate diagnoses and improved outcomes for root canals and other procedures.