North Texas Dentistry Volume 5 Issue 1 | Page 8

Photos by Ray Bryant, Bryant Studios Digital images help patients to fully understand their diagnosis and treatment plan. facial anatomy in three dimensions with a quick, painless 10-second scan that is created as the device rotates around the patient. The threedimensional images allow for pre-treatment virtual surgery that ensures precise implant placement and make implant outcomes highly predictable. Based on CBCT, if the case is ideal, Dr. Chang and Adami can often replace a broken front tooth with a dental implant and temporary crown on the same day. “The CBCT scanner is extremely useful in planning jaw reconstructive surgery, trauma surgery,TMJ diagnosis and surgery, and complex pathology cases,” notes Dr. Chang. “Radiation exposure from the latest CBCT scanners is significantly less than from hospitalgrade CT scanners, in fact, the amount of exposure is often less than that of a full-mouth dental series. It’s very convenient for the patient to have this capability right here in our office. Also, the CBCT scans performed in our facility are typically significantly less expensive than those performed in hospitals or imaging centers.” As Dr. Chang points out, “With these powerful tools, we can anticipate the general dentist’s needs and communicate clearly with both the patient and the dentist about the treatment plan. This makes the process as easy as possible for everyone involved.” Dr. Adami emphasizes that the factors that underlie patient satisfaction are no mystery – there is a direct link between clear communication and positive reviews. “We find that digital images help patients to fully understand their diagnosis and treatment plan. 8 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www.northtexasdentistry.com The CBCT scanner allows Drs. Chang and Adami to accurately visualize critical structures of the facial anatomy in three dimensions with a quick, painless 10-second scan.