Dental imaging allows your Downey dentist to properly diagnose issues and provide treatment that improves your health and provides you with relief. Often, when we mention imaging to patients, they think of their regular diagnostic x-rays. While these are important, 3D dental imaging takes dental diagnosing to another level.
3D dental imaging in Downey is one of the latest advancements in dental technology. It allows your dentist to see things they couldn’t with the naked eye, allowing them to properly (and safely!) diagnose dental conditions and customize your dental treatment plan.
3D imaging works by utilizing a CBCT or Cone Beam Computed Tomography machine, which captures data using a cone-shaped x-ray beam. Using this device, your Downey dentist can create a 3D image of your teeth and surrounding tissues.
Because the machine creates a life-like, true-to-size image of your mouth and teeth, they can more accurately calculate the height, depth, and width of each tooth or a space where they’re replacing a tooth.
In addition to using this technology to evaluate teeth, your dentist can also see and assess your:
3D imaging technology allows your dentist to evaluate the oral cavity for disease and infection thoroughly.
It also allows them to take measurements of the jawbone, space left by a missing tooth, where the sinuses are in relation to the roots of teeth, and much more. These measurements are essential for reconstructive surgeries, including the placement of dental implants in Downey.
In addition to using 3D imaging for implant procedures, your dentist can also use it to aid them with:
3D imaging technology is available in a variety of types. Some require patients to lie down, stand, or sit.
Once situated, the patient will place their chin on a chin rest, which helps prevent their head from moving during the scan.
Then, the machine rotates around the patient’s head, during which it takes images of the skull, jawbones, and teeth. The imaging process lasts just a few seconds.
Here are just a few questions our patients ask about this technology.
The cost of this imaging can range between $350-$600. For a medical insurance company to cover the scan, it must be obtained for a well-documented medical reason. If the medical insurance company doesn’t deem the scan necessary or classify the trauma/treatment as a medical issue, they won’t pay for it.
Recently, dental insurance companies have created codes for 3D dental imaging. Some insurance companies cover the fee (or part of it), while others do not.
The radiation of this scan is more than your average dental digital x-ray. However, it is less than other diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan.
We only prescribe a 3D scan when necessary to limit our patient’s exposure.
3D imaging allows us to get accurate measurements of the mouth to place implants in the proper position for optimal function and health. Additionally, these scans help us determine whether a patient is healthy enough for a particular procedure, helping us evaluate the benefits and risks of a procedure.
We always welcome questions. If you would like to learn more about 3D imaging technology in Downey, how your dentist uses it, and how it can benefit you, please contact our team. We’re happy to answer all your questions!
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