Dental CT Scans featuring Planmeca ProMax 3D at Suwanee Dental Care: W.B. Williams, DMD, MAGD, MICCMO

The First General Practice ProMax 3D in Georgia - Only the 2nd in Georgia
	Why its important: With this new dental CT scan, we can clearly view and measure to 0.01 cm accuracy any area of the head and neck.
Up to 95% Less Radiation	We can see three dimensionally any area, any object such as a tooth, a sinus, a boney tumor and know its location in relation to other vital structures like nerves and blood vessels, other teeth roots, and the sinuses. In a nutshell, it enhances our ability to see what we need to see before we do your surgeries, orthodontics, or reconstruction.	Clear Sharp Detailed


Easy to use 6 second standing scan		We get all these Three Dimensional images from just one scan...and much more

The ProMax 3D is a dental X-ray unit that utilizes three-dimensional imaging technique. This 3D X-ray unit offers panoramic, cephalometric, and 3D imaging as well as complementary and advanced imaging software for all dental radiology. It is easily the most versatile X-ray unit on the market. In modern dentistry, the need for more advanced imaging techniques is constantly growing. The traditional two-dimensional computed tomography (CT) generates the image of multiple axial slices, whereas the new three-dimensional imaging technique takes the whole volume needed in a single half circle scan. Consequently, the patient is exposed to radiation significantly shorter time. The three-dimensional tomography is an excellent tool e.g. in implantology, dental and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, and TMJ analysis. It can also be successfully used in diagnosing ear, maxillary sinus, and respiratory tract diseases.
The imaging technique is based on new CBVT technology (Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography), in which the X-ray beam has a shape of a cone or a pyramid. The operating principle of the CBVT is a lot simpler than the traditional CT’s working method. The technology requires, however, an easily read full-field radiation sensor and high computing capacity for image processing. The sensor of the Planmeca ProMax 3D unit is a semiconductor-based flat-panel sensor, which – unlike earlier image intensifiers – is insensitive to electric or magnetic field disturbances. Digitally controlled movements ensure that the radiation sensitive sensor produces almost 300 noise-free, undistorted images at pre-programmed angles. During the scan, each image is made using a short X-ray pulse instead of continuous radiation. The total scanning time is 18 seconds, but the actual exposure time is only 6 seconds. This technique reduces patient radiation dose considerably and forms a stroboscopic X-ray effect which, together with the shortened rotation scan (only 194 degrees), virtually eliminates artifacts, contributing to the outstanding image quality.
Quotes from the Experts
	"Right now, dental CT scans are the standard of excellence. There is little doubt by all experts involved in dental radiography, dental implant placement, and legal matters, that CT scans will, one day, become the standard of care in dentistry. You not only see critical anatomic structures obscured or unavailable through conventional 2-D dental radiography - dental periapical radiographs and panoramic studies - but you see them with great clarity and unparalleled accuracy. Due to the advent of dental CBVT technologies, and with convenience of having scans produced by radiological labs run by dentists, the bar has been raised in the field of dental implantology." Dr. Alan Winter, OsseoNews

	"CBCT has a low effective dose in the same order of magnitude as conventional dental radiographs. CBCT has numerous potential applications in the management of endodontic problems." Patel S, Dawood A, Pitt Ford T, Whaites E. The potential applications of cone beam computed tomography in the management of endodontic problems. International Endodontic Journal. 40, 818–830,2007.
	"The radiation dose from CBCT is comparable to low dose CT, but can be up to 15 times lower than conventional CT with standard protocols." Healthcare Human Factors Group Centre for Global eHealth Innovation University Health Network Toronto, ON, Canada
	"CBVT technology requires less radiation (up to 95% less) to operate and is more accurate than conventional medical CT scans. This technological breakthrough enables dentists to see unique views for better diagnoses and treatment for their patients while, at the same time, adhering to the ALARA principle set forth by the European Association of Osseointegration. CBVT scanners have less distortion than medical CT scanners and are more accurate than dental periapical films or panoramic X-rays. CBVT technology has many advantages when compared to all current forms of X-ray imaging, while remaining cost-effective for patients." Cone Beam Volumetric Tomography vs. Medical CT Scanners, Expanding Dental Applications, Alan A.Winter, D.D.S.; Alan S. Pollack, D.D.S.; Herbert H. Frommer, D.D.S.; Lisa Koenig, B.S., R.D.H.