In Office CT Scans / Digital X-rays

North Sound Oral Surgery has an office based CT scanner. CT scans (also known as CAT scans) were introduced to medicine in the mid-1970’s. The “C A T” stands for “Computed Axial Tomography.” Basically, this describes a method of rotating an x-ray around the patient, and using a computer program to reconstruct the image. The image can then be viewed in three dimensions. The 3-D vantage point is sometimes critical to making an accurate diagnosis and / or planning a precise surgical procedure.

Compared to plain x-rays, CT scans display remarkably more detail. A CT scan is sensitive enough to show the “soft tissue.” This includes the tongue, gum tissue, and saliva glands. X-rays, on the other hand, can only be used to evaluate bones and teeth. Since the CT uses a computer to create a picture, the images can be viewed from a three dimensional perspective. X-rays on the other hand, lack depth perception. Objects that are in front or in back of another become superimposed and impossible to evaluate on x-ray.

In 2004, a version of the CT machine called the Cone Beam CT Scanner was introduced. This arrangement reduced the size of the machine, reduced the amount of radiation needed for an image, and (surprisingly) reduced the cost of the machine. This is the type of CT scanner at North Sound Oral Surgery.

Although most oral surgery and dental implant procedures can be planned and completed without a CT scan, there are circumstances where a CT image will make a tremendous difference. For example, the sensory nerves of the lower jaw, the sinuses of the upper jaw, and the exact angulations of tooth roots within the jaws can be easily visualized with a CT scan. This information can be of great importance in certain circumstances. Using advance software, complex implant procedures can first be completed in a virtual manner using the CT computer. The precise position of the implants can then be accurately transferred from the virtual image to the jaws, using a computer constructed (CAD-CAM) guide. CT scans are also needed to precisely evaluate cysts, tumors, and traumatic injuries.

We are proud to be able to offer this important technology to our patients.