CT Scans: Important Tool in Dental Implants
By Morris L. Gavant, M.D.
Dr. Gavant is a Physician Partner of Advanced Radiology and Chairman of Radiology at the Baltimore Washington Medical Center.
If you’re missing a tooth and thinking of getting an implant to replace it, or getting multiple implants to replace your dentures, you should know about the role CT scans play in your care.Before your dentist or periodontist can give you new teeth, they must create an artificial root for the tooth by placing a special metal screw where your old tooth was. They need a clear picture of the bone in that area to make sure that it can support the new tooth and to avoid nerves or other structures in your mouth.
Your dentist may refer you for a dental CT scan if the office X-rays don’t provide enough detail of your jawbone or cheekbone, or if they show abnormalities that need further evaluation.
The CT exam uses sophisticated equipment, computers, and a low dose of radiation to take detailed 3-D pictures of the bones and teeth in your mouth. The scan is painless and only takes about fifteen seconds. Insurance plans frequently cover the examination if it’s deemed medically necessary.
The Advanced Advantage
Advanced Radiology has been at the forefront of CT scanning since the technology was introduced. One of the first in the Baltimore area to offer CT, we now have 13 CT scanners. Some of our centers also offer 16- or 64-slice CT scans that provide even faster, more precise images.
Call us at 1-888-972-9700 or click here to learn more about CT.