CT Scan

Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) 

Conventional dental x-rays and clinical evaluations have long been used to assist in the diagnosis and treatment planning of dental implant placement.  Conventional x-rays are of limited use, as they only display the images in two dimensions (i.e. length and height).  The i-CAT® (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography [CBCT]) provides periodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, orthodontists and general dentists with the most complete picture of the patient’s anatomy.

You can rest assured that i-CAT® (Cone Beam CT) scanning is safe.  The i-CAT® scanner uses an “open” seated design for patient comfort and scans are completed in less than a minute.  The radiation exposure to the patient is 50-100 times less than the standard medical CT scan.  The cost is also less than that of conventional, hospital based scanners.

Once the scan is completed, the images are downloaded onto our computer.  This technology has reduced the guesswork with implant placement by increasing the precision and predictability of the procedure.  The i-CAT® allows us to visualize the 3-Dimensional anatomy of the jawbone and teeth and see vital structures such as the mandibular (lower jaw) nerve, the maxillary (upper jaw) sinuses and adjacent teeth roots.  The i-CAT® is also able to assist periodontal surgeons in determining the bone quality and density in the proposed dental implant site(s).

The implant restorative team members, including the restorative dentist, periodontal surgeon and dental lab technician, work together to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient.  Dr. Seibert and Dr. Kim analyze the acquired images utilizing specialized computer software (SimPlant®) to precisely plan the placement of each dental implant.  Accurate and precise implant size, location and orientation are critical in order to establish the most functional and esthetic tooth replacement for our patients.  The i-CAT® scan and SimPlant® software accurately allow placement of the implant in its ideal position within one tenth of millimeter accuracy.  In some cases, the images of the final treatment plan are uploaded via e-mail to a dental laboratory facility to have the customized surgical guide fabricated.  This surgical guide may be used to assist periodontal surgeons to place implants less invasively, allowing more comfort for the patient, quicker healing time and a more predictable outcome. 

Currently, the Academy of Osseointegration considers CT scanning technology “the standard of care” for implant treatment.  In addition, The American Academy of Periodontology and American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons advise the use of CT scan images and custom fabricated surgical guides for dental implant placement. 

With the addition of cone-beam CT technology in our office, our practice is committed to providing innovative, high-quality patient care.  We are happy to serve as a diagnostic center for your doctor(s).  A PC formatted CD can be created for your doctors’ use in planning your care.  Please call us at 217-398-4594 if you are interested in finding out more about i-CAT® imaging and how it can help you.