One of the fears our patients have about dental implants is that they won’t be inserted correctly. While the years of experience of Dr. Chan and his team should put that fear to rest, patients who need even more comfort can relax knowing our practice uses the latest technology. We utilize a fully digital workflow incorporating intraoral scanning, digital X-rays, cone beam CT, 3D printing, and photogrammetry. These latest cutting-edge advancements help promote accuracy and patient comfort, resulting in excellent clinical outcomes.
What Is Intraoral Scanning?
Using a small handheld device, we can quickly and comfortably scan the inside of your mouth without the need for messy, uncomfortable traditional impression material. These digital scans provide a highly accurate representation of your oral structures, essential for creating perfectly fitting implants and temporary crowns. The precision offers better outcomes, reduces the need for adjustments, and speeds up the overall treatment process.
What Are Digital X-rays?
These X-rays capture images electronically, providing faster results and reducing radiation exposure by up to 90%. Digital X-rays use electronic sensors to capture detailed and high-resolution images of your teeth and jaw instantly. They are immediately available on a computer screen, allowing more instantaneous and accurate diagnosis. The enhanced clarity helps detect problems like large cavities, bone loss, and infections much earlier, enabling prompt and effective treatment.
What Is a Cone Beam CT?
A cone beam CT (computed tomography) is a specialized type of X-ray that creates a detailed, three-dimensional image of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone in a single scan. This comprehensive view allows for accurate diagnosis and precise treatment planning for various dental procedures. Cone beam CTs provide several benefits over traditional medical CT scans that help us further enhance your experience:
- Less Exposure for Greater Patient Safety: While the information provided by a Cone Beam CT scan is very similar to that generated by a traditional medical CT scan, the Cone Beam CT only delivers a radiation dose roughly 1/30th that of medical CT scans to enhance your safety and put your mind at ease.
- Time Savings for Greater Efficiency: The actual Cone Beam CT scan is incredibly fast compared to traditional methods – only taking around 20-40 seconds. Once complete, the computer-generated images take about a minute and are ready for analysis.
- Virtual Placement for Greater Accuracy: With the Cone Beam CT scan, we can virtually simulate the placement of dental implants within the unique structure of your mouth. Doing so allows us to more accurately determine the necessary size and shape and the ideal placement of implants for better fit and a smooth procedure.
- 3D Printing Integration: The Cone Beam CT scan can be seamlessly transferred to a 3D printer to create a precise replica of your teeth or build a guide to promote exact implant position, angle, and depth. This capability greatly increases the chance of implant success.
What Is 3D Printing?
3D printing in dentistry revolutionizes how we create dental models and place implants to provide highly accurate and customized solutions. This technology allows us to provide detailed replicas of your teeth and gums from digital scans, offering a more perfect fit for implants and temporary crowns. There is no longer a need to wait for a lab to fabricate models. Overall, 3D printing offers a faster, more personalized, and more precise approach to implant placement, leading to better outcomes and faster recovery.
What Is Photogrammetry?
This cutting-edge technique uses highly detailed photographs to create precise 3D models of your teeth and mouth. Multiple images are captured from different angles, which are then processed to produce an accurate digital representation. Photogrammetry offers a better fit and more comfortable results, reducing the need for adjustments and multiple visits. Moreover, it streamlines the treatment process, saving you time and making your dental care experience more efficient and effective.
Choose Advanced Technology for Your Dental Implants
Foothill Center for Dental Implants and Oral Surgery is pleased to offer digital dentistry to improve the patient experience by providing more accurate, efficient, and comfortable treatments. These advancements enhance the precision of dental procedures, leading to better outcomes and reduced treatment times. To learn more about how these systems could make your dream of dental implants a reality, contact us today at (626) 792-3161.
