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Jan
06
2010
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CBCT in dental laboratories
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Cone Beam CT is widely used today for dental and maxillofacial diagnosis and treatment planning. CBCT installation bases are now taking a new trend in dentistry beyond imaging centers, dental schools, mobile CBCT and private practice. Dental labs are now investing into CBCT to have scan done at their lab while providing lab work to their clients. CBCT is used mainly nowadays for implant placements as it provides a 3D view for the patient head and mouth. By using Cone Beam CT, clinicians can have a better view for patient’s teeth, bone and jaws and it is possible to determine if the patient is suitable to have implants placed immediately or whether a bone graft might be need; thus lowering the risk for complications or implant failure.
While a CBCT scanner costs a fraction of a medical CT scanner, a CBCT scanner can cost between $100,000 – $200,000, so it is still a heavy investment for general practitioners. Enough shielding to the walls should be provided when installing a new CBCT scanner in the dental office in order to protect the staff and patients from getting radiation exposure. For practitioners who do implant placement from time to time, it might worth it to refer the patient to an imaging center rather than investing in purchasing a CBCT machine.
Dental labs personnel who purchase CBCT to scan referral and non-referral patients know that a radiologist reading their scan is important; as an oral and maxillofacial radiologist (OMR) have the necessary training to detect early and current pathological conditions -if present- like carotid artery calcifications, sinus problems, or benign and malignant tumors. If you’re a patient insist on getting your CBCT scan read by a trained OMR. Some of those labs offer the scan data in DICOM format so the referring dentist can use their favorite software to work with the data.
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