Did you know that in 2018, over 1.4 billion dental x-rays were performed in the US alone?
X-rays are an important diagnostic tool for dentists, so it’s understandable that they’re used so often. There is a better way, however.
A Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) dental machine offers many benefits over the traditional X-ray.
- High Resolution
CBCT machines offer much higher resolution images than X-rays can provide.
This allows for highly accurate imaging which in turn means that any measurements taken from those images will also be far more accurate.
More accurate measurements mean better outcomes for patients.
- Shorter Scan Times
Another benefit of using CBCT dental equipment is that it offers shorter scan times than many other scans offer.
This brings its own benefits. Not only is the procedure completely quickly, but a short scan time means there is less discomfort for the patient, and less chance of them moving during the scan, which can cause defects in the image.
It also means you can get through more appointments, too.
- Improve Implant Success
CBCT scans are able to improve success with dental implants, by providing you with exactly the information you need to make the procedure as accurate as possible.
With more accurate imaging, you can find the perfect position for the implant and ensure that the length of the implant is optimal for a successful outcome.
- Reduced Exposure to Radiation
One of the downsides of traditional X-ray digital equipment is that they expose patients to significant amounts of radiation. Whilst this is not enough to be dangerous to the patient, it understandably causes concern in some.
With CBCT, the beam is focused only on the intended area, meaning the patient’s exposure to radiation is reduced. This is reassuring for many patients who are wary of general X-rays.
It is still important to determine if a patient is pregnant before using the scanner, however.
- Capture Bone and Soft Tissue At the Same Time
CBCT machines are able to scan both bone and soft tissue at the same time.
It allows dentists to build up a complete picture of the patient’s bones, teeth, and soft tissue for a holistic overview of the patient’s mouth. With all of this information gathered in a single scan, a CBCT machine is a quick and easy way to get a complete understanding of every part of the mouth.
- Bone Quality
Another of the key benefits of CBCT machines is the ability to assess bone quality.
This is particularly important for procedures such as implants that require healthy bone in order for the procedure to be successful. By determining bone quality, it is possible to give implants the best possible chance of success.
- Improved Diagnostic Accuracy
Since CBCT machines are able to capture 3D images, it’s possible to catch problems that simply weren’t visible on a 2D scan.
By providing a more accurate overview of the mouth, CBCT machines help to provide better-informed diagnoses for patients. It can help to spot problems before they become severe issues, and also means you’re more likely to be able to find the causes of severe issues and determine how best to treat them.
The benefits for the patient can be significant.
- Reduce Nerve Damage
A CBCT scan can be used to accurately map out the patient’s sensory nerves.
Once you have this map, it is much easier to avoid any nerve damage during complex procedures such as implants. In this case, implants can be constructed to the right length to ensure that there is no impact on the nerve whilst still offering good stability.
CBCT scans can also be used to avoid implants penetrating into the sinus.
- Non-Intrusive
One issue many patients have with standard dental x-ray equipment is that they are forced to bite down on an uncomfortable plate in order for the X-ray to be taken.
A CBCT scan is a non-intrusive process that can scan a patient’s entire head without them needing to do a thing. This is very useful for patients who have sore teeth and gums and find biting down on a plate a very painful experience. It is also a less frightening experience for those who don’t feel comfortable with many dental procedures.
Take Advantage of All That CBCT Dental Machines Have to Offer
If you want to take advantage of all the benefits that CBCT dental machines can offer, then we’re here to help.
We buy, sell, and upgrade a wide range of dental equipment, including CBCT, Panoramic, Ceph dental units, dental chairs, delivering systems, and more. Our team of X-ray technicians refurbish, restore, and certify premium digital x-rays and other dental equipment to a like-new condition. By investing in pre-owned digital X-ray technology, you get all the benefits that this technology can bring for a fraction of the price.
