Q: I want dental implants and was told I need a cone beam CT study. What is that?
A: A successful dental implant requires planning and coordination between the dental surgeon, the dental laboratory team, and your restorative dentist. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology is extremely useful for evaluating bone in order to place dental implants in an ideal position. CBCT shows fine details of your bone structure in three dimensions. Dental implants may require placement near the maxillary sinus or mandibular nerve which can best be seen on a CBCT. You will be happy to know that a CBCT study can decrease radiation dose up to 98% than that of a conventional CT. CBCT studies are quick with short scanning times of 10-70 seconds. Several dental offices in our area can provide one for you at a low cost.
Karl Meyer, DDS, M.D.
East Brainerd Oral Surgery
1350 Mackey Branch Drive, Suite 110
Chattanooga, TN 37421
(423) 296-8210
eastbrainerdoms.com
