CBCT for the GP – how to become (still) more successful at the dentistry you already provide

CBCT technology has brought tremendous advantages to dental diagnostics and treatment planning, especially in endodontics, implant planning, and oral surgery. But what about 3D for general dentistry? Some might argue that 2D imaging has been used successfully for years and there is no reason to change. Yet, a growing number of GPs are incorporating CBCT imaging into their routine diagnostic workflows. 

Are these GPs trailblazers? Do they perform more advanced dentistry? Do they know something you don’t? Or maybe they have simply discovered that CBCT imaging makes them better at the dentistry they already perform. Let’s dive into how.

CBCT makes you faster

While there may be multiple treatment options, there is only one correct diagnosis. 2D imaging can certainly lead to an accurate diagnosis, but sometimes more information is needed. In the early stages of a disease, the patient may already present with discomfort, but intraoral radiographs remain inconclusive.

At this point, many dentists put the area of interest on a “watch”, waiting for the condition to either clear up or become more pronounced. This is not great news for the patient. It prolongs their discomfort and lessens the chance of early intervention. Moreover, the larger the issue, the larger the bill for the patient, including a more invasive treatment plan.

CBCT can provide you with all the necessary information to quickly make a diagnosis with accuracy and confidence. No guesswork, no assumptions, no waiting.

CBCT makes you see more

Many types of pathology are often easier to identify or confirm from an alternative point of view. One clear benefit of 3D is the ability to view anatomy from all dimensions. A CBCT scan can provide the information you need to assess the situation, plan the treatment, and go forward with confidence.

CBCT can be highly valuable in e.g. endodontic cases. 3D images reveal to clinicians, among other things, the number and location of the roots and the accessory canals of each tooth, which is imperative for a successful treatment. Statistics show that 74% of first mandibular premolars have a single canal at the apical level, as many as 25.5% have two, and the remaining have three(!).¹

In ortho cases, CBCT allows you to easily verify the amount of available bone and to see the supporting structures of the teeth to be moved from all directions. Without this information, the treatment plan can look quite different, and you might get an unwelcome surprise when the patient returns for a retreatment or has other complications down the road.

CBCT makes your clinic grow

3D imaging can open up a world of new possibilities – including implants, airway, orthodontics, and temporomandibular disorders. Although each of these areas requires additional training, many dentists often discover a renewed passion for their craft – not to mention a new revenue stream for their clinic. As your practice evolves over time, with CBCT you will never be limited by your imaging tech. 

It’s not about taking on all the cases you would otherwise typically refer to a specialist. It’s about helping you make intelligent decisions regarding which cases to keep, knowing you can reasonably predict a successful outcome, and which cases to refer to a specialist. At the same time, for many patients, it is invaluable to have a doctor they can trust to manage all their oral health needs. 

3D images are not only easier for you to read, they are also easier for your patients to understand. While in a periapical image, an infection around the apex of a tooth may appear as a faint edge only perceptible to the trained eye, in a CBCT image the infection is typically clear to see. Observing the image together with the patient can lead to an engaging conversation about oral health, ultimately improving case acceptance.

Additionally, patients often appreciate seeing that their dental practice has invested in the latest technology for their care. And when your patients are happy, they are also likely to refer family and friends – which can account for up to 70–80% of new patients in your practice.²

What about radiation?

All X-ray imaging should always take account of the patient dose levels in line with the ALADA (As Low As Diagnostically Acceptable) principle. This is where Planmeca Ultra Low Dose™ comes in.

Planmeca Ultra Low Dose is a 3D imaging protocol which enables CBCT imaging with lower patient doses. The protocol decreases the exposure values while Planmeca’s other intelligent 3D imaging algorithms maintain the image quality at a diagnostically acceptable level – all to achieve the optimal balance between image quality and dose. It is a scientifically proven method that is ideal for a wide range of clinical cases, from implant planning to orthodontics.

Planmeca Ultra Low Dose comes standard with all Planmeca CBCT imaging units and can be used with any and all volume sizes.

Read more about Planmeca’s versatile CBCT imaging solutions for all clinical needs.

Sources:
¹ Ee J, Fayad MI, Johnson BR. Comparison of endodontic diagnosis and treatment planning decisions using cone-beam volumetric tomography versus periapical radiography. J Endod. 2014 Jul;40(7): 910–6.
² ADA Marketplace. How to get more referrals from your patients. https://marketplace.ada.org/blog/dental-marketing/dental- referrals/how-to-get-more-referrals-from-your-patients.

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