Dental Imaging
Digital radiography represents the cornerstone of the digital diagnosis technology today. Dentistry was first introduced to digital radiography in France in the late 1980′s. Of course, the technology has evolved in stages and has matured greatly since that time. As a result, usability and diagnostic quality have improved dramatically in the last decade. Summarizing the benefits of digital radiography:
- Less radiation exposure to patients
- Instant on-screen images
- Rapid and superior diagnoses
- Image-enhancement capabilities such as magnification, contrast, and coloring
- Improved patient acceptance and education
- Total elimination of darkroom, chemicals, and films – quick results
- Easy image sharing with other dentists or third-parties
- Digital radiography is here to stay
You can experience all the benefits from this exciting technology at Prosthodontic Dentistry of South Florida. Visit our Coral Gables Dentist Office at 2601 S. Bayshore Drive, Suite 760, Coral Gables, FL 33133 or make an appointment .
Cone Beam Computerized Tomography Scan (CBCT Scan) – Galileos 3D
CBCT Scan technology extends diagnostic X-ray imaging potential in the fields of implantology, endodontics, periodontics, oral/maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics. The visualization tools available in the software enable your doctor to reduce risk in different treatments, plan surgical interventions, coordinate planning treatment with colleagues and explain treatments to patients with greater clarity and accuracy.
The Galileos 3D system allows for a comfortable patient experience in a very safe environment. Where it only takes 14 seconds for an acquisition of about 200 images that will be merged together for a formation of a digital 3D model of the patient facial structures. In case of dental implant planning, the software allows for a precise digital reproduction of the intended dental implant size. This way, your doctor is able to perform the surgical procedure in the digital environment first before ever touching the patient. This allows for the most accurate planning up to date, significantly reducing the risks in any surgical intervention. In a further evolution of this technology, all the planning in the computer can be transferred to the real world by computer generated surgical guides that reproduce the digital planning in stunning precision (see Integration CBCT Scan).
Applications of CBCT Scan – Galileos 3D:
- Diagnosis of caries and periapical pathologies
- Dental implant planning
- Fracture of teeth and related jaw bone
- TMJ
- Oral pathology
- Facial pain
Radiation Dose and Patient Safety
In a dosimetry study conducted by Dr. Ludlow (2007) of the University of South Carolina the Sirona Galileos has the lowest radiation dose of any cone beam machine on the market. One scan is compared to about 8 days of normal background radiation. This doesn’t even mean 8 days exposed in the sun but only 8 days of normal radiation by been in the planet earth. As a comparison, a full mouth series of x-rays taken in a dentist office using x-ray films (not digital x-rays) is equivalent to 47 days of background radiation.
Even though this exposure is well accepted in the dental profession for diagnostic purpose the patient always has the final saying in accepting the exam.
