We recently announced a new addition to our practice — cone beam computer tomography.
Cone beam technology allows our team to do more for you. Every day, we try to learn new and better ways to improve the dental care we provide to our patients in Marietta and throughout the Atlanta area.
We are one of the few dentist offices in Marietta to provide this service. In this post, we want to explain how we are using cone beam imaging at Atlanta West Dentistry and how that will help everyone who visits our office.
History of cone beam
To understand cone beam technology, we need to go back to the 1970s at EMI Laboratories in England. Godfrey Hounsfield, an engineer, was working with physicist Allan Cormack of Tufts University. They won a Nobel Prize for their work in what is now known as CAT Scans, according an article published by Dental Economics.
A CAT Scan works by aiming beams of radiation around the patient. The radiation “slices” create images that are more complex than what we can see with an X-ray.
Cone beam machines are smaller than CAT Scans, but uses a similar principle. Cone-shaped beams of radiation are aimed at a detector, and this detector rotates around the patient.
The images created by the cone beam machine are combined. With computer software, those images are used to make a digital three-dimensional model of a patient’s mouth and face.
How we are using cone beam
When we opened Atlanta West Dentistry in 2013, our goal was to operate a state-of-the-art practice. Cone beam 3D imaging is the latest example of our commitment to that goal.
This technology gives us one of the most advanced tools available in modern dentistry. Here are a few ways we can use those 3D images to better serve our patients:
- Diagnosis — When you come for a routine cleaning, we examine your mouth while you are here. We look for problems with your teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue.
But we can only see so much with our eyes. X-rays provide us with more information, but its two-dimensional images may not tell the whole story. With cone beam 3D images, we can identify any problems earlier and more precisely in your mouth.
- TMJ disorders — We treat many patients who experience problems with their temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This is the joint that allows you to open your mouth and move your jaw from side-to-side.
Many issues can cause a TMJ disorder. With cone beam imaging, we are able to take a closer look at the joint and the support structures around it. This gives us a clearer understanding of how to treat your TMJ problem.
- Oral cancer detection — Cone beam imaging can help us see early signs of oral cancer. For example, these images make it more likely that a dentist will see signs of bone invasion.
- Dental implants — Dental implants are one of the many services we offer at Atlanta West Dentistry. Dental implants serve as a replacement for the root of a tooth that has been removed or has fallen out.
Before placing an implant, we must first evaluate the bone density where it will be placed. Cone beam images allow us to identify the best placement option for your dental implants.
- Patient education — We know that dentistry, like other medical fields, can be confusing to patients. With cone beam images, we can show you where you have problems. When you can see what is happening inside your mouth, it will help you understand the purpose of your treatment.
Previously, we could tell that X-rays left many patients confused during our explanations. In the short time we’ve been using cone beam 3D images, we have seen already that it reduces our patients’ confusion about their oral health.
You deserve the best
You want the best dental care possible for you and your family, and that’s what we strive to provide. That’s why we added cone beam technology to the other state-of-the-art equipment we already use.
We are equally committed to giving you care in a comfortable atmosphere. Our friendly staff provides numerous comfort options (neck pillows, blankets, warm towels, beverages, and sedation dentistry) to help you feel relaxed throughout your visit with us.
Whether you live in Powder Springs, Smyrna, or right here in Marietta, we want you to feel welcome at Atlanta West Dentistry.
Call our office at 770-744-4619 or use our online form to schedule your next appointment.