New dental scans reduce radiation, improve knowledge

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"Technology has advanced beyond the first versions of x-ray equipment and now delivers significantly less radiation to patients and operators," says Dr Ronel Podde, a Pretoria-based dentist. "Three-dimensional digital x-rays provide images from angles that are impossible to produce with two-dimensional imagery equipment. One of these technologies is called Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)."

In less than a minute, CBCT scans provide clear images of bone, muscle, and blood vessels, used for implant placement planning, orthodontics, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries. These scans deliver radiation in doses up to 100 less than traditional CT scans.

Two-dimensional x-rays of teeth, such as panoramograms, are limited in their functionality, as teeth and surrounding bone structures can only be viewed from limited angles. This might for instance hide an unintended slant in an implant, which could lead to complications ranging from infection to nerve damage. Three-dimensional scans that can inform a dentist from all angles and show the location of both hard and soft tissues, significantly reduces the risk of invasive dental procedures.

As CBCT scanners are very expensive it is not possible for every dental practice to have the technology on site. "We regularly provide support services for other dental practices that wish to provide their patients with the very best dental care. The patient will be referred to us for the necessary scans and production of an implant guide, which they then take back to the referring practitioner for completion of the implantation procedure."

"This allows patients to benefit from the best of both worlds; the latest advances in digital dentistry as well as treatment by a dental practitioner of their choice," she concludes.

There are several other digital x-ray options available to dental patients:

Cephalometric scans: Ceph x-rays are used to look at the teeth in relation to the jaw and profile, which is often used to determine the best type of orthodontic treatment.

Intra-oral x-rays: Intra-oral x-rays are often helpful in determining the cause of pain in a specific tooth because it allows dentists to visualise the tooth as well as the surrounding bone.

Hand and wrist x-rays: Each patient follows a unique growth cycle that impacts the type and duration of dental treatment necessary. Hand and wrist x-rays enable dentists to plan the best treatment for each individual patient.