Modern dentistry offers high-level services to the population. The quality of the most complex manipulations largely depends on the diagnosis, the use of innovative methods and the professionalism of the doctor. Carrying out various surgical procedures, preparing for implantation and prosthetics greatly facilitates computed tomography of the jaw. What it is? What is the advantage? How secure is the method? These and other questions will be discussed in this article.
What is this?
Computed tomography is a modern method of diagnostic research (CT). It allows you to study the necessary area of the body without surgical intervention.
The method is based on X-ray radiation. Allows you to see an organ or bone in layers, and in a three-dimensional image. It is used at the initial stages of treatment, planning of prosthetics in modern dentistry. Allows you to perfectly visualize the object and view it from all sides.
The difference between a CT scan and an X-ray
Computed tomography of the jaw gives the specialist the opportunity to see the structure of the bone,arrangement of teeth, joints. Everyone has seen the x-ray. This image is in one plane. The method allowed to make a two-dimensional picture. However, such images did not give doctors all the information. Undoubtedly, they lost to the three-dimensional image (3D). After all, the picture consisted of anatomical objects superimposed one on top of the other.
Today, applications to the program allow you to view a 3D image from the right angle. In addition, all diagnostic studies can be stored in the program and on digital media.
The X-ray method is still used the old fashioned way. Rather, in order to check the general condition. But if the picture showed some controversial point, 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 investigated layers is regulated by the program. Modern equipment allows you to make cuts of millimeter sizes. In dentistry, especially in prosthetics, computed tomography of the jaw plays an important role. A good quality image allows you to perform complex surgical operations, create an accurate plan for implantation, and diagnose various neoplasms. Sometimes a patient accidentally finds out about the presence of a cyst or other problem after the diagnosis.
When prescribed?
3D Computed Tomography of the jaws comes to the rescue in the following situations.
1. Injuries of various nature in the area under consideration.
2. Diagnosis of latent caries.
3. Computed tomography of the upper jaw is recommended for sinus disease (sinusitis, cysts, polyps).
4. Before surgical interventions in the maxillofacial region.
5. When planning dental surgeries.
6. Computed tomography of the jaw is recommended by doctors for abnormal teeth or improper eruption.
7. The procedure is effective in diagnosing various neoplasms in bone tissues and in interdimensional areas.
8. The picture perfectly shows the condition of each tooth, its root, the degree of destruction, the integrity of the fillings.
Types of CT in dentistry
To diagnose changes in the oral cavity, developers produce 3 types of tomographs:
1. Cone beam apparatus.
2. Spiral tomograph.
3. Sequential layer processing machine.
Cone-beam devices appeared only in our century. The opinion of doctors points to the fact that this species is the future. But today, such studies are used only in the dental field. Planar receiver registers for radiation. A tomograph captures the information received. This is the peculiarity of the species. It allows you to recreate the most accurate three-dimensional image of an object.
Do I need to prepare for the examination?
There are no special recommendations before the procedure. The patient is not allowed to usefood habitual for him products, medicines. In general, no change in lifestyle.
As a rule, computed tomography of the lower jaw, as well as the upper section, is carried out without the use of contrast. But if such a need arises, then experts ask the patient to come to the diagnosis on an empty stomach.
It is worth noting that additional information will allow you to set up the device more accurately. If you have any past test results, doctor's referral or discharge, please bring them with you.
Contrast: what is it and what is it used for?
In some cases, the patient is prescribed computed tomography of the jaw with the use of contrast. The basis of the drug was iodine. It assists in obtaining high-quality visualization of soft tissues and blood vessels.
The contrast dose 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 excreted from it within a day. Due to the fact that most research in dentistry is focused on hard tissues, contrast is rarely used.
Summary of procedure
The patient is placed on a mobile bed. Then it gets inside the machine, which will scan.
The scanner's sensor rotates around the programmed area. At this point, the patient is advised to remain still. This is necessary so that the pictures do not turn out blurry.
Inside the device is mountedtwo-way communication. 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 stays in the diagnostic room himself. Specialists observe the procedure from the next room. To avoid anxiety during the study, a person can invite a relative with him as a "moral support". This is allowed.
More mobile scanning machines have 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-rays, some people suggest that it is unhe althy. Experts explain that there is no danger. Thanks to changes in the design of the tomograph, the level of delivered beams is much lower than on older devices. All this allows us to call this type of diagnostics absolutely safe.
It is worth noting that this applies to patients who have no contraindications for this type of study.
Learn about contraindications
1. Experts do not recommend this diagnosis if a person suffers from claustrophobia.
2. CT is not prescribed for severe pain.
3. Involuntary movements (hyperkinesis) are also a contraindication to the procedure.
4. CT is contraindicated for pregnant women. Despite the fact that the amount of radiation exposure is minimal, specialistsbelieve that any external influence is better to exclude. After all, even the minimum dose can adversely affect the formation of the fetus. It is worth noting that most doctors say that computed tomography of the jaw is contraindicated only in the first three months. A 3D snapshot of the teeth during the rest of the child's gestation will not harm him in any way.
5. Even at the stage of planning a procedure with the use of contrast, experts report the following contraindications: kidney failure, iodine allergy, lactation.
Can children do it?
We have already said that the dose of radiation received by the patient is negligible. However, as with pregnant women, doctors believe it's best not to risk it. Until the age of 14, computed tomography of the jaw is not performed. A snapshot of the teeth, if necessary, is done by X-ray. However, in serious situations, when the benefits of the procedure outweigh the possible risks, it is also prescribed for children.
What will be given to the patient?
After the CT procedure, the scan transcripts will be ready in about 15 minutes. The patient is given pictures, an extract. Also, the results of the survey can be recorded on a digital medium. It is very comfortable. If the patient does not have time to wait for the scan results, all materials can be sent to him by e-mail. The examination results will be saved in the specialist's computer. After receiving the images and the discharge, the patient goes with them to his doctor.
