Computer tomography of the jaw: a snapshot of the teeth

Modern dentistry offers the public services at a high level. The quality of the most complex manipulations largely depends on the diagnosis, the application of innovative methods and the professionalism of the doctor. Conducting various surgical procedures, preparing for implantation and prosthetics greatly facilitates computed tomography of the jaw. What it is? What is the advantage? How safe is the method? These and other issues will be discussed in this article.

What is it?

Computer tomography is a modern method of diagnostic research (CT). It allows you to study the necessary area of the body without surgery.

The method is based on X-ray radiation. Allows you to see the organ or bone layerwise, and in a three-dimensional image. It is used in the initial stages of treatment, planning prosthetics in modern dentistry. Allows you to perfectly visualize the object and view it from all sides.

Difference between CT and X-ray

A computer tomography of the jaw gives the specialist an opportunity to see the structure of the bone, the location of the teeth, and the joints. X-ray picture, probably, saw everything. This is an image in one plane. The method allowed to make a two-dimensional picture. However, such pictures did not give doctors all the information. Undoubtedly, they lost a 3D image (3D). After all, the picture consisted of anatomical objects superimposed one on another.

Today, applications to the program allow you to view a 3D snapshot at the right angle. In addition, all diagnostic studies can be stored in the program and on a digital medium.

X-ray method is still used in the old-fashioned way. Rather, in order to check the general condition. But if the picture showed some controversial moment, then the patient is recommended to do a CT scan. After all, the method will allow the doctor to see the condition of the tissues, to examine them from all sides.

The thickness of the layers is controlled by the program. Modern equipment allows you to make slices of millimeters. In dentistry, especially in prosthetics, an important role is played by computed tomography of the jaw. A snapshot of good quality allows performing complex surgical operations, creating an exact plan for implantation, diagnosing various neoplasms. Sometimes a patient accidentally learns about the presence of a cyst or other problem after the diagnosis.

In what cases are they appointed?

A computer tomography of jaws 3D comes to the rescue in the following situations.

1. Injuries of a different nature in the area under consideration.

2. Diagnosis of latent caries.

3. Computer tomography of the upper jaw is recommended for sinus disease (sinusitis, cysts, polyps).

4. Before surgical interventions in the maxillofacial area.

5. When planning dental operations.

6. Computer tomography of the jaw is recommended by doctors with abnormal positioning of the teeth or their incorrect eruption.

7. The procedure is effective in diagnosing various neoplasms in bone tissues and in interdimensional regions.

8. The picture perfectly shows the state of each tooth, its root, the degree of destruction, the integrity of the seals.

Types of CT in dentistry

To diagnose changes in the oral cavity of the developers produce tomographs of 3 types:

1. Conical-beam apparatus.

2. Spiral tomograph.

3. The device for sequential processing of layers.

Cone-ray devices appeared only in our century. The opinion of doctors indicates the fact that this species is the future. But today such studies are used only in the dental field. The planar receiver registers for radiation. And the tomograph fixes the information received. This is the peculiarity of the species. It allows you to recreate the most accurate three-dimensional image of the object.

Is it necessary to prepare for the survey?

There are no specific recommendations before the procedure. The patient is not forbidden to eat the usual products for him, medicines. In general, no changes in lifestyle.

As a rule, computed tomography of the lower jaw, like the upper portion, is performed without the use of contrast. But if such a necessity arises, then the specialists ask the patient to come to the diagnosis on an empty stomach.

It is worth noting that additional information will allow you to configure the device more accurately. If any results of past studies are available, it is recommended to take them with you from the doctor or discharge.

Contrast: what is it and what is it used for?

In some cases, the patient is assigned a computed tomography of the jaw with contrast. The basis of the drug was iodine. He provides assistance in obtaining high-quality visualization of soft tissues and blood vessels.

The dose of contrast is calculated individually for each patient by the technologist. For this, the weight of the patient is taken into account. The drug does not harm the body and is removed from it within 24 hours. Due to the fact that in dentistry the main research is aimed at hard tissues, contrast is rarely used.

Brief description of the procedure

The patient is placed on a mobile lounger. Then it gets inside the device, which will scan.

The tomograph sensor rotates around the programmed area. At this point, the patient is advised to stay still. This is necessary to prevent the images from getting blurry.

There is a two-way communication inside the device. During the procedure, the patient should not feel any discomfort. But if there are any complaints, he should immediately inform the doctor about it.

The patient remains in the diagnostic room himself. Specialists are watching the procedure from the next room. To exclude excitement during the study, a person can invite a relative with him as a "moral support." It is allowed.

More than one mobile device for scanning has already appeared in dental clinics. The patient remains seated in the dentist's chair.

How safe is the procedure?

Due to the fact that the method is based on x-ray radiation, some people assume that it is harmful to health. Experts explain that there is no danger. Due to changes in the design of the tomograph, the level of the transmitted beams is much lower than in the old apparatus. All this allows us to call this type of diagnostics absolutely safe.

It should be noted that this applies to patients who have no contraindications to this kind of research.

Learn about the contraindications

1. Experts do not recommend conducting this diagnosis if a person suffers from claustrophobia.

2. Do not prescribe CT in severe pain syndrome.

3. Involuntary movements (hyperkinesis) also act as a contraindication to the procedure.

4. Contraindicated to pass CT scan to pregnant women. Despite the fact that the amount of radiation is minimal, experts believe that any external influence is better to exclude. After all, even a minimal dose can adversely affect the formation of the fetus. It is worth noting that most doctors say that it is contraindicated only in the first three months of computed tomography of the jaw. A snapshot of 3D teeth in the rest of the period of bearing a child will do him no harm.

5. Even at the stage of planning procedures using contrast, specialists report the following contraindications: renal failure, allergy to iodine, lactation period.

Can children be made?

We have already said that the radiation dose received by the patient is insignificant. However, as in the case of pregnant women, doctors believe that it is better not to take risks. Until the age of 14, there is no computed tomography of the jaw. A snapshot of the teeth, if necessary, is done by an x-ray method. However, in serious situations, when the benefit of the procedure exceeds the possible risk, it is prescribed to children.

What will be given to the patient's hands?

After the CT procedure is completed, after about 15 minutes, scanning will be ready. The patient is given pictures, an extract. Also, the results of the survey can be recorded on a digital medium. It is very convenient. If the patient does not have time to wait for the results of the scan, all the materials can be transferred to the email address. The results of the examinations will be stored in the computer of the specialist. Having received pictures and an extract, the patient goes with them to his doctor.