When it comes to placing dental implants, visualization is a vital component of diagnostics and treatment planning. As the outcome of a procedure is heavily reliant on data gleaned before treatment, maximizing information through imaging is essential to providing the best possible patient care. For this reason, advancements in imaging technology have sought to equip dental professionals with increasingly higher quality, more accurate anatomical representations. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is one such advancement that works to improve implant placement success as well as patient comfort and satisfaction.
CBCT, an evolution of computed tomography (CT), was born of a desire for a cost- and time-effective imaging solution that generates high-quality three-dimensional (3D) reconstructions while minimizing radiation exposure. Using a cone beam-shaped X-ray and two-dimensional (2D) flat panel detector, sophisticated CBCT scanners, such as the PreXion3D Excelsior by PreXion, can complete a high-quality, large-volume scan of the maxillofacial region in one 360-degree rotation in under a minute. The PreXion3D Excelsior is also exemplary of the lower radiation output of CBCT, promoting ALARA-compliant operation at all times. The resulting reconstructed 3D image produced by a CBCT scan offers an exceptional level of detail and data and can be easily viewed, manipulated and interpreted by software like the proprietary PreXion3D Viewer.
While traditional 2D radiography still has a clear place in dentistry, procedures like implant placement benefit greatly from the enhanced 3D imaging capabilities of CBCT. With the improved visualization offered by CBCT, clinicians are afforded a comprehensive view of the maxillofacial region and implant sites. This allows a practitioner to more thoroughly assess the parameters of a given situation, better determine the relationship between bone, tissue and prosthetic and come up with an optimized, specialized treatment plan for each individual patient. CBCT also opens the door for procedures such as flapless implant placement, an option that has been linked to improved soft tissue outcome and patient comfort.
Visualization software like PreXion3D Viewer makes integrating CBCT into workflow simple, as it has widespread compatibility with complementary programs and can be installed and used on any Windows operating system within a network. The software likewise makes scan review a far more efficient process and aids in the prediction of implant length. Additionally, it allows for greater patient education and, ultimately, satisfaction.
To learn more about incorporating CBCT into your practice’s implant placement workflow and to watch product videos, witness user testimonials and request a demo of the PreXion3D Excelsior, visit PreXion’s website.