At Metropolitan Periodontists we
use modern 3D imaging. It gives us a
much clearer picture of what is going on around the tooth than traditional two-dimensional
x-rays. We use it to see if there is enough bone to be able to place an implant. It also helps to choose the correct size and
type of implant needed. After placement,
3D imaging confirms the positioning and gives us a baseline image for the
future.
With traditional x-rays we can measure
bone height and the amount of space between the teeth, but we are guessing
about bone thickness. With 3D imaging we are able to get a cross-section of
that bone and see the thickness. If you
are looking for a nerve or a sinus you can see where the sinus relates to the
crest of the bone much more clearly by using 3D imaging.
Three-dimensional imaging is very
handy for looking for cracked teeth, furcation involvement, and apical
involvement around teeth. Furcations are on the larger teeth in the back of the
mouth when you have multiple roots. The
area where the roots come together is called a furcation. The apex or the apical part of the tooth is
the root tip, where if the pulp is dying inside of the tooth then the tooth
needs a root canal. For these reasons we
can see problems much earlier on a three- dimensional picture than we can on a
two-dimensional picture.
The 3D imaging is a very important
part of modern periodontal practice. We have seen that third dimension and we
are confident that the bone is there. A
drawback to two-dimensional x-rays has been only finding out after we start the
procedure that we do not have enough bone to put the implant in that the
patient is expecting that day.
Having the capability to do 3D
imaging in the office is convenient for the patient because they do not have to
travel to another facility. Because we
use these images, we do not have surprises when we go into the surgery.
Dr. Mark Wilson
Periodontist
Metropolitan Periodontists
Minneapolis, MN
New Patients Welcome
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