In order to gain a clear picture of your dental and oral health, certain diagnostic equipment may be used. At Able Dental Group, we utilize CAT scan imaging, dental X-rays, and oral cancer screenings to not only diagnose current issues but also look for signs of any problems that may arise.
CAT Scan Imaging
A CT scan provides a cross-section image to support the decision for treatment options.
Dental X-Rays
Digital radiography X-rays allow your dentist to find problems that might otherwise remain undetected.
Oral Cancer Screening VELscope
An annual and painless exam can catch oral cancers early, leading to effective treatment. Your dentist is able to diagnose the signs of oral cancers which, like many others, are not immediately obvious.
Your dentist will perform a visual examination during your regular check-up.
Should a suspicious area be detected, a treatment plan will be recommended for your situation.
Cat Scan Imaging
i-CAT® 3D Imaging
CT scans are primarily used to enable faster and more accurate fitting of dental implants, but can also be used to assess teeth and risks associated with your dental surgery. They give your Able dentist a more detailed view of your mouth and skull, including bone structure and density, tissues, and nerves. i-CAT® scans take about 40 seconds with a low dose of radiation, while you remain comfortably seated.
i-CAT® scans are reducing the cost and time of dental surgery while improving the results. Contact your Able dentist for more information about i-CAT®.
Our dentists use i-CAT® scans in planning your implant strategy to:
- Assess jawbone quality, density and position of each tooth
- Locate nerves
- Spot tumors, disease and impacted teeth early
- Determine effective implant placement
- Plan the complete surgical procedure
Dental X-Rays
Digital radiography, used by Able dentists, works much like your digital camera, recording images on a sensor rather than on film. Two main advantages emerge; the image can be seen (and enlarged) immediately without being developed, and radiation exposure is reduced.
X-rays allow your dentist to find problems that might otherwise remain undetected, such as:
- Abscesses, tumors and cysts
- Bone loss
- Decay between teeth
- Development abnormalities
- Poor tooth and root positions
- Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line
Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage might save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort and your teeth.
Digital X-rays are safer, faster and more accurate than standard X-rays, reduce your “chair time”, and, because they are not photographically developed, are easy on the environment. Your Able dentist and hygienist will determine the need for and frequency of X-rays, although a full series and full-mouth (panoramic) X-ray, which is good for up to five years, is recommended for new patients.