4 steps in the CBCT process – a fast, ultra-low radiation, and precise alternative to standard X-rays, scans

Endodontic specialists like Dr. Darlene Davis have advanced training in this branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating conditions that affect the innermost tissues of the teeth. However, specialty practices in Suwanee, Gwinnett County, Georgia, and beyond are also distinctive due to their investments in state-of-the-art technologies to support such specialty care and expertise.

Diagnostic technologies are particularly helpful because they help us understand our patients’ needs clearly and fully. Soft Touch Endodontics can only treat what we know. In turn, technologies like Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) dental imaging play an important role in our ability to diagnose accurately and treat patients effectively at our practice. Below, we walk you through what to expect from this advanced alternative to standard CT scans and conventional X-rays, in four steps.

1 – Your consultation

You may have been referred to our practice by your family dentist. Or, you may have reached out to us directly. Whatever the case, all treatments generally start with a consultation. During this visit, we will discuss and examine your concerns. Even specialists like Dr. Davis are limited in their ability to see what is going “underneath the surface.” There is only so much that can be detected by the unaided eye or felt by touch, especially when dealing with the types of severe and deep damage commonly treated by endodontists. To get a detailed understanding of the real source of your concerns, we lean into technologies like CBCT imaging. This particular scan provides detailed insights that cannot be gleaned with conventional radiography (X-rays alone). It may be a good aid to us and complement our skills to detect abscesses, the loss of bone in the jaw, and unique anatomical challenges that may have been missed during a previous root canal therapy.

2 – Preparation

Our technologies are largely minimal-prep. Prior to the images being captured, the only thing that we ask is that you remove any items with metal components. Items include:

• Glasses
• Hearing aids
• Dentures
• Earrings
• Tongue, nose, labret, and eyebrow rings and studs
• Necklaces
• Barrettes and other hair clips

You can reapply these items with no worries as soon as the scanning is done.

3 – The scanning process

With your head carefully positioned and in alignment with the CBCT machine, you will sit completely still as the scan rotates around you. The scan doesn’t even take a full minute. In fact, Dr. Davis can complete regional scans in 10 seconds and full-mouth scans in no more than 40 seconds. It is well-tolerated by claustrophobic patients and fidgety children alike. Speaking of children, it is a safe technology for all ages. The unique cone shape of the X-ray beam dramatically reduces the radiation dosage, size of the scanner, and the time required to complete this important service. In addition to providing a full, 360-degree view of your mouth and other structures of the face, head, and neck, this scanner renders multiple, high-quality images.

4 – After your scan

The scan is not invasive. There are no side effects or risks of complications associated with this service. As such, there is also nothing to heal or recover from, and you can return to eating, drinking, and other activities as usual. The real and full power of CBCT imaging is realized later. Dr. Davis can show you trouble spots. She doesn’t simply tell you what the underlying problem may be. She can pull up the images on a monitor and point out areas of concern. This feature aids significantly in the understanding of your health and needs. Moreover, Dr. Davis securely stores these images and can retrieve them as needed to monitor how well treatments may be working to resolve the root cause of your pain and other symptoms. These images may also be securely shared with other members of your care team, such as your general dentist.

At Soft Touch Endodontics, we are proud to provide cutting-edge technologies to our neighbors and friends from across the Gwinnett County, GA area, and we look forward to meeting you and caring for your needs. Contact our team at (770) 831-7644 to schedule your consultation in Suwanee today.

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