Successful placement of dental implants depends on precise placement of the implants in the jaw bone. Cone Beam imaging to assist in the replacement of missing teeth with implants.
Dr. Todd Britten has been using Cone Beam technology in his Clearwater, Florida Dental Implant Specialty Practice since 2014 for a better understanding of his patients’ anatomy. He states that this technology has allowed him to place dental implants in exactly the right place and more effectively replace missing teeth. “This is a very powerful treatment tool in our practice,” says Dr. Britten. “With it, we can work together with our referring dentists to more confidently map our surgical and restorative treatment plans and place and restore implants with accuracy.” Britten says he looked long and hard for the right machine for his specialty dental implant practice. That is why he chose The Green CBCT scanner by VA Tech America. This unit, he says, provides innovative technology for ultra-low-dose x-rays in 5.9 seconds and minimizes radiation to both patient and operator. Dr. Britten says the Green CBCT scanner protects both his patient and the x-ray technician while delivering a high quality 3-D imaging. “I am excited about not only the excellent image quality for diagnostic purposes, but also the increased protection for the health and safety of our patients. The VA Tech Cone Beam CT scanner is perfect for claustrophobic patients, as it is an ‘open air’ scanner. Patients are positioned and stand very still, and in less than six seconds, the scan is done.”
Traditionally, dental professionals used dental x-rays to determine what a patient’s dental structure was like. These x-rays only provide a limited picture of the patient’s mouth and jaw. Recent developments in technology have led to Cone Beam imaging, which produces 3D, high-resolution images of the mouth.
Cone beam imaging is different than a traditional dental x-ray because it uses an x-ray beam that is shaped like a cone rather than using a fan shape. Dr. Britten is highly experienced at reading and interpreting these generated images.
Dental professionals often use this type of imaging to determine the precise placement of dental implants. Dr. Britten recommends implants as the leading permanent tooth replacement solution for patients with missing teeth. After evaluating images generated by cone beam imaging, Dr. Britten determines whether or not implants are a good option for each patient, based on factors like jaw bone density. The images will reveal if the patients’ jaw bone is at a healthy enough degree of density to support implants. If the bone looks healthy enough, Dr. Britten will place the implants by first placing a titanium base in the bone of the jaw. An abutment piece and natural-looking crown will then be attached to the base. Patients will then care for the implants as they would their natural teeth.
Cone beam imaging can make for easier and more effective implant placement. Dr. Britten, also a board certified periodontist, can also use the same CT scan technology to see fine detailed tooth and jaw anatomy to diagnose conditions that may have been previously hard to detect. To learn more about cone beam technology and tooth replacement, interested parties can visit www.brittenperio.com
About The Doctor
Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten received his Bachelor of Science & Doctorate of Dental Surgery from University of Florida, a Master’s Degree and Certificate in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry; and completed extensive training at the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. He is one of the only board-certified periodontists in Pinellas County. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Florida Association of Periodontists, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Research Association and Florida West Coast Dental Association
