Click here to enlarge imageby Jeffrey H. Brooks, DMD
With a primarily implant–based practice, our practice implemented cone beam CT (CBCT) technology in early 2005. Since that time, we have witnessed a positive and expeditious return on investment (ROI), both directly and indirectly.
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With a primarily implant–based practice, our practice can easily be categorized as a high–end user of 3–D imaging. Prior to using cone beam technology, all treatment–planning data was derived from a clinical exam, 2–D panoramic radiographs — with obvious magnification artifact, periapical radiographs, and occasionally with tomography. While 2–D imaging is sufficient for many dental–related procedures, 3–D cross–sectional imaging has become the standard of care for evaluating the implant recipient site both qualitatively and quantitatively.
Without the detailed information that a 3–D scan provides, multiple treatment plan contingencies often must be presented to patients. Presenting multiple unnecessary contingency plans can result in a patient's loss of confidence in the practitioner's ability to present a concise diagnosis and treatment plan. With CBCT technology, a more concise treatment plan can indeed be presented to the patient initially, which results in higher patient confidence levels relating to the proposed treatment. With a cone beam scan, you can clearly demonstrate to the patient areas of insufficient bone at the recipient site and whether bone grafting will be necessary prior to implant placement. When this definitive information is presented to the patient, we have noted in our practice, treatment acceptance increases substantially. We have attributed this benefit to the substantial increase in implant numbers that our practice has appreciated since instituting this technology.