Today we have a tremendous tool in our hands with 3D or 3 Dimensional planning. 3 Dimensional planning allows for greater accuracy during your surgery and also assists the surgeon in performing computer-aided virtual surgery before you ever arrive for your surgical appointment!
Dental 3D planning is based on CT Scan technology. A CT scan (Computerized Tomography) is a type of X-ray which produces images of internal physical structures of the body in cross section. The images produced by dental CT scan contain more information than those produced by conventional X-ray exams.
A rotating X-ray unit which takes hundreds of X-rays is present in the dental CT scan. It produces a complicated image. The data from it is combined with a computer to create a three-dimensional image. The image can be freely rotated on the computer. Conventional X-ray can produce only single or two-dimensional images.
As a 3D image is produced by a dental CT scan, the image is clearer. The location of a nerve or bone thickness at the selected position of the image can be easily identified by the dentist. This, in turn, helps in determining the size, type, and diameter of implant that can be used for maximizing the implant to bone contact.
In addition, other surgical procedures in the area of vital structures can be preplanned on the computer with 3D imaging.
3D imaging and low radiation are the most important benefits of using dental CT scans. It does not cause any pain or discomfort and the process of scanning is finished in much less time compared to conventional X-ray tests.
Special imaging software is used to get a clear and appropriate orientation of images. As the normal dental X-rays are two-dimensional, the location of teeth and the height of bone are only shown. The thickness of the bone cannot be depicted by them which can be shown by 3D dental CT scan. With the rise in technology and its benefits, the use of dental CT scans is increasing worldwide.