3D Scanning (CBCT) for planning dental implants

If you are considering having dental implants you should consider having a 3D scan to assess the bone volume available.

Until recently dentists would use two dimensional conventional x-rays to assess implant placement but this would leave an element of the assessment to “educated guesswork”.

The advent of 3D scanning means accurate planning and with an acceptable radiation dose there is a good reason for having this 3D information available.

The main reason 3D Scanning has not been offered to patients in the UK is that the dentist does not have the scanner to perform the scan and this has been understandable as these scanners cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to install.

All dentists in the UK now have access to a 3D mobile scanning service which will travel to any clinic in the UK on request producing the scan while the patient waits and in a format which can be instantly viewed and planned on. This service has been created and developed by Dr Julian Perry in the pursuit of excellence in the field of implant dentistry to ensure that even when patients go elsewhere for treatment they can still access the same level of care required in the planning of these cases.

 

Frequently asked questions about 3D scanning

What is 3D scanning?

It is a three dimensional x-ray showing height, width and depth of bone available.

Why is a normal dental x-ray not enough?

In some very simple cases a two dimensional x-ray may be satisfactory but two dimensional x-rays only show the height and width of the available bone, they do not show the width (thickness), so if there is a defect in the width of bone this will not be known and can lead to implant failure after a few years.

How does the procedure differ from a “normal” dental x-ray?

You wear a “radio-opaque guide” and have the scan taken (max time 20 seconds). The guide is very important as it allows the dentist to accurately plan the position of the implant. You should not have a scan carried out without an appropriate identification guide (exception: one or two teeth bounded by landmarks i.e. other teeth or fixed structures.)

Is the radiation excessive?

CBCT dose is now at an acceptable level. In Dr Perry’s view he would not have a hospital CT scan for dental treatment as the radiation dose is unacceptably high compared to CBCT.

CBCT dose is comparable to two dental panographic x-rays and considered by the European Academy of Implant Dentistry to be “required” for properly planned implant treatment.

What does 3D Scanning cost?

£295

More information available at: www.dentalscanningservices.co.uk

Call us on 01993 843407 or use our Call back form to arrange a consultation.

 

No Commitment Consultations

Come in to see Jackie, our practice advisor, for a coffee and no commitment consultation.

Call us on: 01993 843407

or fill in our form and we will call you back when it's convenient for you.

View Real Patient Experiences

Find out what our clients have experienced.