Cone Beam Computed Technology

Cone beam computed tomography combines high-quality 3-D imaging with low-dose radiation. This technology projects digital x-rays in a highly accurate and controlled cone-shaped beam.

The digital x-ray scanner is mounted on a rotating arm and moves in a complete rotation around your head. Just sit back and relax and the scanner does the rest. It takes a minute or less to complete the scan, which provides us with computer-generated views of your oral and facial bone structure in 3-D.

With the level of detail provided with cone beam technology, it’s easy for us to make accurate decisions about the treatment approach that is most appropriate for your specific needs.

This technology gives us advanced diagnostic capabilities beyond the standard two-dimensional panoramic film. Our specialized software allows us to view and manipulate a 3-D reconstruction of your upper and lower jaws and teeth. This is an invaluable modality that allows us to provide our patients with the highest standard of care.

Some of its uses and benefits are:

      Detection of Pathologies

Cone beam technology allows early detection of changes in the jaw related to certain disease states and conditions. Our ability to view the image from multiple angles provides a more accurate representation of size and location of the problem, which in turn helps guide our approach to the most appropriate treatment. 

       Implant Evaluation and Guided Surgery

At Northport Family Dental, we place the majority of our patients' implants. Viewing your jaw in 3-D allows for precise planning and more accurate placement of dental implants. This upfront planning can show us limiting factors such as inadequate volume of bone available to properly position the dental implant. For instance, the need for bone grafting prior to surgery can be identified and incorporated into the treatment plan.

      Evaluation of Wisdom Teeth

When removal of any tooth is contemplated, understanding the anatomy of adjacent teeth can be the difference between an uneventful recovery and one with unforeseen complications. An example would be paresthesia, where sensation to lower teeth and soft tissues is lost due to the severing of a nerve bundle that the roots of a wisdom tooth were wrapped around. If known ahead of time, alternative approaches can be taken and problems avoided.

      Root Canal Therapy

Diseased pulp (nerve) in your tooth releases toxins into the surrounding bone. Using cone beam technology, changes in the appearance of this area can be detected earlier than with conventional x-rays. Cone beam lets us visualize the three-dimensional shape of the space we need to negotiate when we perform the root canal procedure. It helps identify additional canals, their location, and their shape. Additionally, certain fractures not visible on conventional x-ray are often seen with cone beam.

      Invisalign Treatment

Adults often choose to improve their smile utilizing Invisalign aligners to move teeth. Cone beam reveals the relationships of the tooth roots to be moved during orthodontic treatment. Knowing the shapes of these roots and how adjacent structures relate to each other helps determine effective treatment.