Instrumental methods of dental examination: types and their peculiarities
For the dentist to make an accurate diagnosis, an examination in the chair is not enough. It is necessary to carry out additional examinations. Among the most important instrumental methods are panoramic and 3D scans of the teeth. They help to get a complete picture of the pathology and to determine the correct plan of therapeutic procedures.
Instrumental examination also plays a key role in the process of preparing for surgical or orthopaedic intervention. In this case, radiography does not provide a correct result. Therefore, in order to improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the risk of complications, the patient is prescribed a series of diagnostic measures.
Orthopantomogram, or panoramic image: advantages and disadvantages
The OPTG is an instrumental diagnostic method used to assess the condition of the upper and lower jaws and the maxillary sinuses. It is carried out in 2D format. The manipulation shows the presence or absence of pathology in the deep layers of bone tissue.
This method is indicated in the following situations:
- malocclusion;
- suspected inflammation;
- trauma to the mandible;
- confirmation/exclusion of osteomyelitis;
- determination of the location of wisdom teeth;
- bone atrophy;
- preparation for orthodontic treatment.
The procedure poses no health risk to the patient. The whole process, from preparation to obtaining an image, takes no more than 15 minutes. It is performed on a special diagnostic device - an orthopantomograph. The image is then automatically stored on a memory card.
However, OPTG has its disadvantages.
- Incorrectly transferred dimensions of anatomical elements. The error rate is 15-25%.
- Insufficient information regarding teeth with three roots.
- The device is only able to evaluate elements located in two planes.
- It is not possible to obtain a three-dimensional image - only a flat image. OPTG is not suitable for cases where a volumetric image is required.
Despite the above-mentioned disadvantages, this method can greatly facilitate diagnosis. In Dnipro and other cities, 3D scanning of teeth can be performed in the diagnostic rooms of dental clinics.
What is CT in dentistry?
Tomography is one of the most accurate diagnostic methods. It allows to obtain an image in three projections at the same time: tangential, frontal and axial. The finished image in 3D format allows the specialist to assess the condition of the area being examined from the required angle. The measurement is performed on a CT scanner. X-rays convert the collected information into a three-dimensional image.
With the help of a 3D image, it is easy to examine blood vessels and gum tissue, take into account any root pathology and determine bone density. This method also helps in the early diagnosis of dental diseases such as caries. Thanks to this, the patient is prescribed the appropriate treatment and further dental problems are prevented.
A CT scan does not require any special preparation. However, there are a few things you should consider before going to the diagnostic room. You should not eat for about three hours before the procedure. Metal objects and jewellery should not be on your body immediately before the radiography, otherwise the image may be distorted.
The only disadvantage of 3D dental radiography is the price. The cost of the procedure is slightly higher than other diagnostic methods. However, it is justified by the high level of information it provides.
Indications and contraindications of CT in dentistry
This type of diagnosis is prescribed in eight cases.
- Injuries to the jaw. Three-dimensional imaging makes it possible to detect cracks, dislocations and fractures.
- Malocclusion. The diagnosis is made in preparation for further orthodontic treatment.
- Preparation for braces. A CT scan is used to create a 3D model of the upper and lower jaw.
- Assessing the condition of the anatomical structures prior to implant placement.
- The need for advanced diagnostics when all other methods have failed (e.g. to detect hidden carious cavities).
- Differential diagnosis of neoplasia. CT is prescribed as part of a comprehensive examination of the patient when a malignant process is suspected.
- Analysis of the efficacy of the prescribed course of therapy in order to exclude occult inflammatory lesions.
- Visual assessment of dental canals before and after dental procedures.
Due to the fact that the body is exposed to even minimal radiation during the diagnosis, CT is not recommended for pregnant women. In this case, lactation is considered a conditional contraindication. The procedure is allowed, but it is advisable to refrain from breastfeeding for a few days after the procedure.
Tomography is not prescribed for people with a cardiac pacemaker. The list of contraindications also includes children under the age of six. Alternative methods of examination are available for these groups of patients.
Importance of 3D tomography before implant placement
Implantation always requires careful preparation. Any mistake made at this stage can lead to serious problems after the operation. The patient may experience the following complications:
- damage to nerve bundles;
- perforation of the maxillary sinuses;
- gradual or abrupt rejection of the implants;
- development of an inflammatory process due to an improperly placed pin;
- gum problems caused by uneven stress on the teeth during chewing.
Three-dimensional tomography is more accurate than other diagnostic methods. As a result, the success rate of implant placement and grafting is many times higher. The price of a CT scan for dental implantation is always indicated in the clinic's price list or agreed verbally with the patient.
For convenience, all the data obtained from the CT scanner is transferred to a three-dimensional modelling programme. In virtual mode, the dentist assesses the condition of the anatomical structures. This facilitates the selection of crowns and pins. The dentist can also make an approximate prediction of the final result.
In Dnipro and other cities, computer tomography of teeth is included in the list of mandatory procedures before implantation.
At the first consultation, the doctor will tell you in detail about which teeth need to be treated first, about the condition of your gums and about which design you need to choose in order to fill in the missing teeth.
About what actions and manipulations need to be carried out. Learn how to take good care of your mouth so you don't have to go to the dentist as often as possible.
After discussing the above aspects, your dentist will draw up a treatment plan, guide you by the stages, timing, cost of the upcoming treatment, make, if necessary, computer diagnostics of the teeth and make an appointment for you at a convenient time for you to start treatment.
It is worth restoring a lost tooth as early as possible, because delaying such a process can lead to unpleasant health consequences and undesirable costs in the future.
Patients who seek help for tooth loss too late unwittingly start the process of destruction of other adjacent teeth, because the load during chewing is not evenly distributed.
Dental implantation is one of the most reliable and effective procedures that allows you to restore one or more teeth.
The method of dental implantation is now very popular, because it helps patients to restore lost teeth both in the upper and lower jaws without grinding pine teeth, which is always carried out during prosthetics (crowns).
With implantation, the number of lost teeth does not matter. Dental implantation is considered to be the only right way out of care for everyone, because the healing rate of implants today is over 99%!
