It’s accepted that CBCT technology has brought tremendous advantages to dentistry in terms of both diagnostics and treatment planning, especially for disciplines such as endodontics, implant planning, and oral surgery. But what about 3D for general dentistry?

There is a growing number of GPs who are incorporating CBCT imaging into their routine diagnostic workflow. Are they trailblazers? Do they do more advanced dentistry that justifies 3D? Or do they know something you don’t? There will always be dentists that fall into the first two categories, but what about the others? Maybe they’ve discovered that CBCT imaging makes them better at doing the dentistry they are already doing, and it makes them more profitable.

1. CBCT MAKES YOU FASTER

While there can be multiple treatment options, there is only one accurate diagnosis. While 2D imaging can lead to a precise diagnosis, it’s often unreliable. The underlying issue has to be substantially advanced to be detected. In the early progression of disease, a patient may present with discomfort, and intraoral radiographs can be inconclusive.

At this point, many dentists put the area of interest on a “watch,” waiting for the condition to clear up or become more pronounced - not great news for the patient. It prolongs their discomfort and lessens the chance for early intervention. Additionally, the larger the issue typically results in a larger bill and a more invasive treatment plan—a lose-lose for the patient. CBCT, on the other hand, provides you with all the information to make a diagnosis immediately with accuracy and confidence. No guesswork, no assumption, no waiting.

2. CBCT MAKES YOU BETTER

CBCT is a valuable tool for endodontic cases. 3D images show clinicians the number and location of roots and accessory canals of each tooth. This is imperative for successful treatment. Statistics show that 74% of first mandibular premolars have a single canal at the apical level, and a whopping 25.5% have two canals, and the remaining have three!

Recommendations are to take three PAs at different angulations to determine the root anatomy of a tooth. All this radiation could be avoided with a single CBCT image at a lower overall dose, allowing you to see the tooth in 360 degrees and treat the case with confidence.

3. CBCT UNCOVERS MORE DENTISTRY

Uncovering more dentistry drives practice revenue and that, unfortunately, is often perceived as a negative. It’s okay to want to be more profitable. What patient wants to see a dentist who is struggling to get by? Patients want a dentist with a thriving practice. That doesn’t mean you should park the Maserati out front. But, having current technology and a stylish, modern dental practice means something to patients when choosing a dental provider.

Additionally, CBCT owners aren’t on a mission to look for additional dentistry to fund their children’s college funds. But uncovering pathology comes with the territory. In a study of CBCT images, approximately 30% had some form of an incidental finding. Of that number, only 4% required immediate attention, 26% required follow up and the remaining were insignificant.

4. CBCT PROVIDES INFORMATION FROM ALL DIMENSIONS

Another obvious benefit of 3D over 2D is the ability to view anatomy from all dimensions. Often, pathology is easier to identify or confirm from an alternative view. For those of you who are concerned about liability with CBCT systems, there is unwelcome news. You’re liable for all the anatomy in any radiograph, including a 2D pan. When you’re responsible for the information in an X-ray image, it is best to have one that is detailed, accurate, and easy to interpret. It doesn’t mean you have to know everything about reading CBCT scans - you have to know when something looks suspicious and send it to a radiologist for a report- a relatively easy and inexpensive process critical to your patient’s health.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

CBCT imaging provides an entirely different profile of your patient’s oral health. Choose a CBCT system, and have peace of mind as you incorporate this advanced tool into everyday imaging protocols.