CBCT or Cone Beam Computed Tomography represents the new benchmark technology in three-dimensional medical imaging for dental surgeons. This device diffuses a conical beam (cone beam) of X-rays. This type of beam makes it possible to obtain 3D images of the part radiographed. The CBCT performs a single rotation (full 360 ° or semi-full 180 °) around the volume to be radiographed. The high resolution of the images allows a more precise diagnosis. Thus, CBCT is presented as a medical imaging tool via an X-ray beam which offers one of the best 3D resolutions in radiography. CBCT has many advantages including better processing capacity, a versatile technique in addition to traditional diagnostic tools and ease of integration into an existing imaging system. Explanations.
Increased treatment capacities thanks to the Cone beam
Thanks to a full cut and 3D rendering, the dental cone beam now offers the possibility of making more accurate diagnoses through a single device.
High resolution for more precise diagnoses in maxillofacial surgery
CBCT is distinguished by its ability to take 2D or 3D X-rays in order to diagnose more pathologies. In fact, the X-ray beam of the CBCT encompasses the volume to be radiographed in a single turn. The transmitter sends an X-ray pulse. It is sent back to the receiver which will analyze it and then produce the high resolution images in 3D or 2D. The image resolution of CBCT is excellent: it can cover a range of 70 to 160 pixels. This high resolution of the images and moreover in 3D (excellent in 2D too) will allow a more advanced and more precise diagnosis. It is precisely this 3D imagery that makes the dental cone beam is an indispensable tool for dental surgeons today for the exploration of calcified tissue (i.e. bone and teeth). As the field of vision is restricted, the visual assistance of the high-resolution snapshot is a major advance. Indeed, the dental Cone Beam also facilitates guidance during dento-maxillary operations which involve risks.
X-rays: lower doses, but more effective
The other advantage of the conical beam is that it produces better quality images with lower x-ray doses. It should be noted that reducing the doses of X-rays decreases the potentially harmful impact of the X-ray on the body. Indeed, studies carried out over the past 50 years confirm that repeated exposure to X-rays opens the way to the appearance of pathologies at the cellular level: mutations, cancer, etc. Decrease in X-ray emissions therefore represents a beneficial breakthrough for radiography and maxillofacial analyzes. For CBCT, this move towards lower X-ray doses has no impact on its performance. Most often, the radiation ranges from 3 to 25 mGy. This x-ray dose is a change from their usual level. Despite this reduced irradiation, the single-rotation CBCT provides the sections and images necessary for patient diagnosis. It is therefore superfluous to expose the patient to repeated shots to vary the viewing angle.
With the qualities mentioned above, the high resolution of the images and the x-ray dose levels, CBCT becomes the essential tool for establishing precise diagnoses or performing guided surgery in odonto-stomatology. Indeed, some operations involve significant risks, because you can touch a nerve or pierce in the wrong place. To avoid this, the intervention requires a precision tool. Thanks to this tool, the dental surgeon can be guided during his operation for implants for example. CBCT with its monitoring software therefore makes it possible to avoid possible errors and to properly consider the operation, especially in implantology. Indeed, for implantology, respecting the axis of the implants guarantees aesthetics, but also the durability of the prosthesis to be implanted.
CBCT: a complementary device
CBCT offers very useful versatility for the dental surgeon function.
Using the Cone beam in implantology
CBCT helps establish a preoperative diagnosis, in order to decide whether or not to place implants, by evaluating very precisely available bone volume, bone density and quality, at the desired location and visualizing it optimally. It also makes it possible to secure the operation by studying the proximity of the anatomical structures to be spared (nerves, sinuses).
In addition, thanks to 3D modeling, CBCT allows virtual visualization by simulation location of future implants by choosing the right shape and size.
It is also to CBCT that we owe the development of guided implant surgery mentioned above.
Establish an accurate diagnosis thanks to the Cone beam
CBCT makes it possible in particular to link information from other medical devices such as optical impression taking. Thanks to its operating software and its many features, CBCT enables rapid and precise diagnosis. CBCT can integrate other related information from other devices. Thanks to this grouping of data, you get a complete assessment of the condition of the body x-rayed. Therefore, this information linkage allows CBCT to assemble the data and produce a consistent report giving the big picture. You will therefore be issued complete and reliable information to establish a more precise diagnosis.
Scan plaster models
This tool can also scan plaster or silicone models. This makes it possible to make a traditional impression with alginate and then thanks to X-rays, to transform it into a three-dimensional view. CBCT obtains a high resolution image, but also in 3D, allowing an X-ray to be superimposed on the impression, without the patient receiving additional radiation doses. This is more practical, because the practitioner can keep his impression-taking protocols well mastered by the staff.
Easy integration into daily practice
In addition to the technical advantages provided by CBCT, the latter also has the necessary assets to facilitate its installation and operation.
- The Cone beam is delivered with its software which allows it to work autonomously. You will not need to use other interfaces. The software that manages CBCT allows you to view images directly in 3D during the session. The information couplings, the various cuts are taken care of by the CBCT instantly.
- The latest generation of CBCT takes up less space. In the practical field, CBCT is a space saver for your practice or analysis room, which is more practical if you already have several devices.
The prices are now very affordable. To obtain a Cone beam, you must meet the conditions and prerequisites for its use. However, these prerequisites have become more flexible for CBCT. It will still be necessary to undergo training in certain cases, in particular concerning radiation protection.