3D Dental Scan (CBCT) in Brooklyn, New York

By Dr. Robert Mikhli and Dr. Theodore Goff

Dr. Robert J. Mikhli or Dr. Theodore Goff will follow routine procedures to evaluate each patient for their candidacy for an extraction, dental implant, or other oral surgery procedure. The patient’s medical status and general health will be evaluated, the mouth will be carefully evaluated, the way the patient bites will be considered, and the esthetic concerns will be carefully evaluated. A special scan, called a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), will be administered so the dentists can have a 3-D representation of the patients teeth, skull, and nerve location.

Figure 1: CBCT for Implant Planning. https://cdeworld.com/courses/4804-Clinical_Applications_of_CBCT_and_CAD-CAM_Data_Integration?c=133

The use of the CBCT allows the dentist to assure that the underlying bone is thick enough to retain a dental implant and to evaluate ideal implant placement to avoid placement of the dental implant into nerves or sinus cavities, to evaluate location of teeth and root placement, and height and location of sinus cavities that could be involved with the placement of dental implants. Upon completion of a thorough planning process, the patient is ready to have their dental surgery.

What is Dental Cone Beam CT?

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. This type of CT scanner uses a special type of technology to generate three dimensional (3-D) images of dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan. Images obtained with cone beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning.

Cone beam CT provides detailed images of the bone and is performed to evaluate diseases of the jaw, dentition, bony structures of the face, nasal cavity and sinuses.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Dental cone beam CT is commonly used for treatment planning of surgical cases that involve:

surgical planning for impacted teeth.
diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
accurate placement of dental implants.
evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity.
detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors.
determining bone structure and tooth orientation.
locating the origin of pain or pathology.
reconstructive surgery.

How should I prepare?

A cone beam CT examination requires no special preparation.

Prior to the examination, you may be asked to remove anything that may interfere with the imaging, including metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, hairpins and hearing aids. Although removable dental work may need to be removed, it is advisable to bring these to your examination, as your dentist or oral surgeon may need to examine these as well.

Women should always inform Dr. Robert J. Mikhli or Dr. Theodore Goff if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

What does the equipment look like?

How does the procedure work?

During a cone beam CT examination, the C-arm rotates around the head in a complete 360-degree rotation while capturing multiple images from different angles that are reconstructed to create a single 3-D image.

How is the procedure performed?

You will be asked to stand at the cone beam CT, facing forward. Dr. Robert J. Mikhli or Dr. Theodore Goff will position you so that the area of interest is centered in the beam. You will be asked to remain very still while the C-arm revolve around you for a 360-degree rotation or less. This typically can take between 20 to 40 seconds.

What will I experience during and after the procedure?

You will not experience any pain during a cone beam CT exam, and you will be able to return to your normal activities once the exam is complete.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

Dr. Robert J. Mikhli or Dr. Theodore Goff will analyze the images. They may discuss the results with you directly or communicate the results to your referring dentist. A digital copy of your CBCT is available on a disk for you to take with you, if requested.

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