We utilize Digital X-rays to reduce radiation, increase the speed of displaying the image and making a diagnosis, provide for easy retrieval and comparison with prior x-ray views and to eliminate the toxic chemicals and toxic waste of the older x-ray film developer, fixer and water wash,
Single X-ray Views
When patients present for an emergency examination typically with pain, then one or two views may suffice for diagnosis and treatment planing.
Full Mouth X-ray Survey (FMX)
FMX surveys are typically 21 Films -- 4 of the "Bite-Wing" x-rays where we see a very parallel view of the upper and lower teeth at the same time to look for Decay or Cavities between the teeth and the Bone Height between the teeth to detect early vertical bone loss associated with Periodontal Disease. Also, 17 more x-rays are taken that show the entire tooth, including the root and surrounding bone to detect when a tooth has an infection in the pulp that extends beyond the tooth into the bone. We can also diagnose a range of jaw bone abnormalities or pathology.
Panoramic Radiograph (sometimes called a Panorex, after the first popular brand, like a refrigerator may be called a Fridigaire)
In 2018, we upgraded our Schick Digital Pan for a state-of-the-art Sirona ORTHOPHOS XG 3D with both 2D and 3D capabilities.
Sirona describes it this way: "Precisely tailored to the everyday routines of general practices, the ORTHOPHOS XG 3D is a hybrid unit, providing the clinical workflow advantages of 2D and 3D together while emitting the lowest possible effective dose for the patient. Endodontists will enjoy the ability to instantly view digital images required for endodontic procedures, combined with the crisp, well-defined 3D volumetric images for revealing canal shapes and anatomies, as well as precise measurements for canal depths, widths, and apicoectomy procedures. The ORTHOPHOS XG 3D offers efficient, clinical workflow with easy operation and precise patient positioning."
We have added the Implant Diagnosis and Planning software to this unit and upgraded our Central Server and laptop workstations to accommodate the need for higher speed, graphics handling, and memory.
CBCT -- Cone Beam Computerized Tomography
"Cone beam computed tomography (or CBCT, also referred to as C-arm CT, cone beam volume CT, or flat panel CT) is a medical imaging technique consisting of X-ray computed tomography where the X-rays are divergent, forming a cone.
CBCT has become increasingly important in treatment planning and diagnosis in implant dentistry, ENT, orthopedics, and interventional radiology (IR), among other things. Perhaps because of the increased access to such technology, CBCT scanners are now finding many uses in dentistry, such as in the fields of oral surgery, endodontics, and orthodontics. " https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cone_beam_computed_tomography
We use CBCT most commonly to diagnose if there is enough bone height and width to place implants so that the mandibular nerve and maxillary sinus are not interferences. It also gives us the quality of the bone. We share that digital data with our lab to make guided implant placement stents when patients decide to go ahead with implants. Guided placement reduces the amount and time to place implants and assures more precise placement for better prosthodontic rehabilitation (Crowns, Bridges, and Dentures) placed after the implants osseointegrate with the patient's bone.
Sirona Sidexis 4 Software
This new software release allows for more precise diagnosis from more explicit x-ray pictures using the same or less radiation than before white still using the Schick 33 High Precision sensors that we added just a couple of years ago.
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