The Benefits of 3D Dental Imaging

Reviewed by Dr. Thao Le, DDS, MD

Reading time: four minutes.

Advancements in dental care have transformed how oral health is diagnosed and treated. Among these innovations, 3D dental imaging has become a game-changer. Unlike traditional x-rays, this cutting-edge technology provides a three-dimensional view of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures, offering significant benefits for both patients and oral surgeons.

In this blog, we will explore the advantages of 3D dental imaging and the technology behind it.

Table of Contents

• Understanding 3D Dental Imaging
• Image Processing and Safety
• The Scanning Process
• Why Oral Surgeons Prefer 3D Dental Imaging
• Benefits for Various Dental Treatments
  • Safety Considerations
• 3D Scan at Foley & Le Oral Surgery
  • The CS 9600
  • Intra-Oral Scanning with iTero®
• 3D Dental Imaging in Boulder, CO

Understanding 3D Dental Imaging

3D dental imaging, also known as Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), uses a special type of x-ray machine to capture detailed images of your mouth. During a single scan, the machine rotates around your head, taking pictures from different angles. These images are then combined to create a 3D model of your teeth, bones, and nerve pathways.

Image Processing and Safety

After the scan, advanced software processes the images to create a digital model of your mouth. This model allows oral surgeons to examine your dental health in great detail. Importantly, 3D dental imaging is safe. Although it involves radiation, the amount is minimal. The risk of scatter radiation is also lower, making this a safe and effective tool for precise treatment planning.

The Scanning Process

The scanning process is quick, easy, and non-invasive. You’ll sit or stand still while the machine rotates around your head. The scan is painless and usually takes less than a minute. There’s no need for uncomfortable positioning or holding film in your mouth like with traditional x-rays. Most patients find the experience comfortable and straightforward.

Why Oral Surgeons Prefer 3D Dental Imaging

Oral surgeons prefer 3D dental imaging because it helps them plan treatments with great accuracy. Here’s why this technology is so popular:

• Clear and detailed images: 3D scans show the jaw structure, tooth orientation, and nerve pathways clearly, which is crucial for successful and safer dental procedures.
• Better treatment planning: The detailed images allow for more effective treatment plans, whether for dental implants, root canals, or wisdom teeth extractions.
• Increased safety: With a 3D model, oral surgeons can avoid complications during surgery by knowing exactly where nerves and other critical structures are located.

Benefits for Various Dental Treatments

3D dental imaging is helpful for many dental treatments, including:

• Dental implants: 3D images of the jaw and teeth help ensure accurate implant placement.
• Orthodontic treatment: Detailed scans assist in planning the alignment of teeth and correcting jaw structure.
• Oral surgery: Surgeons rely on 3D imaging for procedures like tooth extractions, especially wisdom teeth, bone grafting, bone cysts and tumors, jaw surgery and temporomandibular joint surgeries.
• Root canal treatment: The technology provides clear images of individual teeth and root canals, aiding in thorough treatment.
• Overall dental care: 3D imaging improves the diagnosis and treatment of complex dental issues, supporting better dental health.

Safety Considerations

3D dental imaging is safe for most patients, including those with dental implants, braces, and other dental structures. However, pregnant women should consult with their oral surgeon or dentist before undergoing any type of x-ray, including 3D scans, due to radiation exposure.

3D Scan at Foley & Le Oral Surgery

The CS 9600

The CS 9600 system provides our oral and maxillofacial surgery practice with advanced technology to help our surgeons detect issues more accurately. It offers up to 14 fields of view, ranging from 4x4cm to 16x17cm, making it the only system of its kind on the market.

With features like a Live Positioning Assistant, video cameras, and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the CS 9600 ensures precise scans on the first try and consistent results over time. It also records patient parameters for easy follow-up imaging and has a retractable seat, allowing for scans in both sitting and standing positions.

Intra-Oral Scanning with iTero®

The iTero scanner is a handheld digital device that captures highly accurate 3D images of your teeth and gums, replacing the need for messy, uncomfortable putty impressions. These digital scans can be used to create crowns, bridges, implants, and clear aligners like Invisalign®.

The process is quick, easy, and comfortable, taking just a few minutes, and helps ensure precise placement of dental implants and a better fit for your final crown.

3D Dental Imaging in Boulder, CO

At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, we’re committed to providing the best care for our patients. That’s why we use advanced technology like 3D dental imaging to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

If you are searching for ‘3D dental imaging near me’ we can help! Call (303) 444-2255 to schedule an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.