CBCT Scan: Advancing Your Dental Care with Innovative Technology

When looking for a dental office to trust with your smile, there are a few factors to consider. One of the main points of interest is their reputation. You can often discover this information by exploring their review pages or asking people in your neighborhood. Another factor to consider is their qualifications. Asking questions like, “How many years have they been practicing?” and “Where did they attend dental school?” is a great way to get to know a dentist better. However, a factor that many people overlook is the type of technology their dental office uses. For the best possible results, trust a dentist who demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and the latest technologies. At Brent Bradford, DDS, Dr. Bradford uses advanced technology, such as the state-of-the-art CBCT scan, which helps elevate your dental care to a whole new level.

What Is a CBCT Scan?

CBCT stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography, referring to an innovative type of X-ray machine.

Unlike regular X-rays, a CBCT scan creates a 3D image of your mouth, providing a better understanding of your bone structure. This 3D imaging tech spins around your head safely, taking precise and localized images of your jawbone. While there are other advanced imaging technologies, Dr. Bradford prefers the CBCT because of its advantages for patients like you.

These advantages include:

• Shorter scanning time: On average, CBCT scans take less time to perform than CT scans or Panoramic imaging. CBCT imaging is relatively simple, and the scanning process itself takes under a minute.
• Limited field of view: While it may seem like a disadvantage at first, a limited field of view is actually very useful when trying to focus on a specific problem. CBCT scans enable Dr. Bradford to assess your jawbone and teeth in great detail, while minimizing radiation exposure to adjacent areas.
• Less average radiation: While other imaging technologies, like CT scans, don’t release incredibly harmful amounts of radiation, less radiation is always better. CBCT scans release less radiation on average to take a 3D image of your bone.

At Brent Bradford, DDS, Dr. Bradford uses a CBCT scan to deliver high-quality results and the best dental care possible!

What We Use a CBCT Scanner for

CBCT scanners are largely used for dental care, as they can provide a detailed image of your jawbone. This is important in the field of dentistry, especially when considering certain dental procedures. At Brent Bradford, DDS, we may use a CBCT scan for a wide variety of reasons.

Tooth Extractions

Oral surgeries, such as surgical tooth extractions, can be aided by a CBCT scan. The 3D image allows Dr. Bradford to assess the anatomy closely, determining the best way to remove your tooth. This is especially useful in the case of impacted wisdom teeth.

Impacted wisdom teeth occur when your third molars don’t fully erupt from your gums. If your wisdom tooth is only partially exposed or growing sideways, it will likely need to be extracted through a surgical procedure. A CBCT allows Dr. Bradford to plan the extraction while minimizing risks.

Root Canal Treatment

Inside the tooth, past layers of enamel and dentin, lies the pulp chamber. At the bottom of the chamber, towards your tooth roots, lies the root canal. This canal is full of dental pulp, which is composed of blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves.

When bacteria reach the pulp chamber through the enamel and dentin, they can infect the root canal, causing immense pain and discomfort. A root canal procedure removes infected pulp, saving your tooth from potential extraction.

However, while using a CBCT, Dr. Bradford can determine the extent of the infection and better treat your dental pain.

Dental Implant Placement

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Bradford uses a CBCT scan for planning implant placement. With a 3D X-ray image, he assesses your bone density to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental implants. If so, he uses the 3D image to plan where the implants will be placed, finding their optimal position!

At Brent Bradford, DDS, Dr. Bradford offers both conventional dental implants and mini dental implants.

Conventional implants are larger and require a more invasive procedure. With a CBCT scan, Dr. Bradford determines if you have enough bone structure for a conventional implant procedure. Unfortunately, patients often aren’t eligible, as tooth loss causes bone resorption. With a shrinking jawbone, replacing missing teeth with dental implants becomes a challenge.

However, Dr. Bradford also utilizes mini dental implants! These narrow-diameter implants are much smaller and involve a simpler placement process. With a CBCT scan, Dr. Bradford will asses your bone to determine if you are eligible for mini implant placement. In most cases, patients are eligible, as mini implants require much less jawbone structure than their traditional counterparts!

For dental implant procedures, a CBCT is essential. Fortunately, Dr. Bradford is committed to providing the best care with the best technology.

Trust Dr. Bradford and His Innovative Technology With Your Smile!

If you need a dental office that prioritizes your oral health and satisfaction, visit Brent Bradford, DDS! With innovative technology like our state-of-the-art CBCT machine, we provide the best care possible. Whether you need a root canal treatment or dental implants, Dr. Bradford is here to support you from the very first step to the very last.

Book a consultation today to decide if Brent Bradford, DDS, is the place for you!

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