At our dental office we are proud of our Cone Beam Scanner and have made an effort to let each of our patients know that we are using innovative technology that will help make their visit better and their treatment more effective. However, no matter how excited we are about our Cone Beam, with innovative technology there are often questions that arise from patients. These questions generally revolve around: the purpose the technology serves and the safety of the tool.
The Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) technology has provided great value to those seeking dental implant surgery. Recently concerns have arisen regarding the safety of radiation for medical scans. In order to bring clarity, we are going to discuss both the purpose that CBCT serves in dental implants as well as shed light on radiation claims for medical CTs and if it applies to CBCT.
What Does the Cone Beam CT Scan Do?
Dental implant placement is most effective when the foundation beneath the gums is prepared and strong. The Cone Beam CT Scan (CBCT) is what analyzes every angle and substance beneath the gum line to determine the health of the mouth and the possibility of effective surgery. It will determine: bone structure, tooth orientation, nerve canals and pathology. The information that the CBCT provides is “imperative to determining anatomical variations that can affect the procedure’s success or failure.” Thus, it is clearly an incredibly useful tool in ensuring that when a patient goes into surgery, it is as quick and effective of a surgery as possible.
Does the Cone Beam CT Scan Create High Amounts of Radiation?
Excess radiation should always be monitored when undergoing scans. Some CT technologies use more radiation than average, but the general goal for radiation is that it follows ALARA protocol. ALARA protocol refers to “As Low As Reasonably Possible”.
In recent articles, concerns regarding medical CT scans and overexposure of radiation have arisen. These reports are in reference to medical CT scans and not dental scans. Medical scans are reported to have 33 times greater radiation exposure than a dental CT. The radiation that is required for dental CT scans is significantly less, meaning that ALARA protocol is in place. Below is a graphic that shows the difference in levels between medical CT scans (where radiation concerns lie) and the CBCT can (that meets ALARA protocol).
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For more information on this subject, please visit: http://www.dental-tribune.com/articles/content/scope/specialities/region/usa/section/general_dentistry/id/1311