Diagnostics

Why digital diagnostics is so important in dentistry?

The purpose of any dental examination is to make the correct diagnosis, which serves as a basis to prescribe a certain treatment. If the diagnosis is carried out correctly, then the dentist will select the method that will be most effective in a particular case. That is why at Archer Dental Chicago we take pride in having modern diagnostic equipment, which allows us to be certain in our work and provide our patients with the best quality diagnostics and treatments.

Modern Diagnostic Tools

At our Chicago dental clinic, we provide comprehensive dental care to each patient. Before each treatment our dentists conduct a thorough examination and study each case, in order to guaranteeing the selection of an appropriate treatment method. In this Archer Heights dental office we use modern dental technology as Digital X-Rays, Intra-Oral Camera, dental CBCT( also known as 3D dental X-ray), iTero scanner and occlusal scan, and more!

Digital X-Rays

Dental X-rays (radiographs) are images of your teeth that dentists use to evaluate your oral health. These X-rays have low levels of radiation and can be useful in many cases to identify problems, like cavities, tooth decay, and impacted teeth. Dental X-rays can seem intimidating,, but they’re actually very straight forward and simple tools that are just as important as your regular dental visits.

Benefits of Digital X-Rays:

• Less radiation: Digital X-rays are known to use 90% less radiation than traditional X-rays
• Easier dental appointments: Digital X-rays are fast and easy.
• High quality images: The dentist can zoom in the images and look for any issues on their screen.
• Easy transfer of dental records: Images in digital file can be immediately sent to any other specialist for further reference, within seconds.
• Ecological: Digital radiography does not have to use any chemicals for developing the film.
• Immediate results: Digital x-ray can be viewed immediately after taking it.

CBCT or 3D Dental X-Ray

Up until a few years ago, most dentists relied mostly just on traditional x-rays. Fortunately, it is no longer the case, as Cone Beam Computer Tomography (CBCT) made a debut in dental offices.

CBCT utilizes the same type of energy as traditional x-rays to create images of tissues. But unlike traditional x-rays, which produce flat, 2d x-rays, CBCT can create 3D images with great detail.

What do expect during CBCT scan?

The procedure is very fast and simple.  The machine rotates around a patient's head and emits a cone-shaped beam of x-rays. 3D x-ray simultaneously collects anywhere from 150 to 599 distinct image views. A special software collects these images together and produces a 3-D image that can be displayed on computer display. From this image dentist can get very useful information  and views of the teeth, jaws and facial bones. The level of detail this technology can produce is astonishing.  3D X-rays are especially useful for diagnosis of malocclusions, size/location of infections, obstructions at possible implant sites, or jaw problems prior to surgery.

What can CBCT be used for?

• Planning for implant placement and "All-On-Four'
• Determining if a root canal is your best treatment option
• Planning for extractions, especially of impacted teeth
• Evaluation of your sinuses
• Sleep apnea
• Tooth fractures
• Diagnosing TMJ issues
• Getting to the bottom of undiagnosed pain

iTero intraoral scanner in Chicago

Digital technology has made its way even into the process of how we make dental impressions. We are proud to announce the availability of the iTero intraoral scanner at our clinic! Now impressions we take are fast and easy. Digital impressions are much more precise than traditional impressions, and with no uncomfortable goopy mess in the patient’s mouth.

iTero intraoral camera allows us to take a 3D impression of your teeth and gums with high precision in under a minute. Your dentist at Archer Dental will be able to track changes in the mouth like gum recession, bruxism and show you a visual representation of the alignment that is possible for your mouth with orthodontic treatment such as braces or Invisalign. At Archer Dental we call it a dental Health Scan, and we do it during regular dental exams and 6 moths check-up for all our patients with no additional charge.

If you have questions about this or other services offered by our general dentists, contact our office today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a dental CBCT scan?

CBCT is an imaging technology that dentists use to evaluate the bone structure and the nerve pathways surrounding soft tissues. During quick a CBCT scan, about 150-200 images are taken from a different angles and merged together into a 3D image.

2. What does CBCT stand for?

CBCT stands for cone beam computed tomography.

3. How long does CBCT scan take?

CBCT dental scan is very quick, for a dental scan it takes no more than 1 minute.

4. Am I exposed to radiation during CBCT scan?

CBCT scans use much less radiation than medical CT and are considered to be safe. At any given time, we are all exposed to what is known as background radiation. A medical CT scanner produces radiation equivalent to 63-154 days of background radiation. A CBCT scan you at at the dental office only produces about 6-30 days of background radiation. During a 10 hour flight, a person receives approximately 11 days of radiation.

5. How does iTero scanner work?

iTero Digital scanner uses a wand and a computer to take impressions of your teeth and mouth. The dentist will place the wand into the patient’s mouth and move it around gently. Images of the top and bottom teeth will be captured. the computer receives digital images right away and displays them on the display. The process is completely painless and quick. Most importantly, patients can sit comfortably while their accurate impressions are taken.

6. What are the benefits of iTero digital scan?

Digital scanning with iTero provides benefits to patients and doctors.

• Impressions are done fast.
• Patient is more comfortable.
• Digital scanning is extremely accurate.
• Computer-aided technology provides an image of your teeth and gums immediately to help guide the process.
• Items such as crowns, bridges, retainers, or dentures can be made with more precision.
• Less materials and labor needed with new digital scanning technology.

Dental Glossary

All-On-Four

Is a technique for total rehabilitation of the arch ( or both arches) for patients with few or no teeth. The technique allows to fix a full arch prosthesis with only four implants.

Computer Tomography

A method of medical imaging to generate a 3D image by combining a large series of 2D X-ray images

Digital Radiography

A form of radiography that directly captures data during the patient examination, immediately transferring it to the dentist's computer without the need to develop film.

Digital Impressions

Also known as 3D intraoral scanning. By using a wand-like tool connected to a computer and advanced software, a dentist can create a virtual model of the hard and soft tissues in the mouth.

CT Scan for Dental Implant

CT scans are essential to dentists when planning procedures like dental implants. 3D images provide views of bone structure, bone density, tissues and nerves that can not be seen with traditional x-rays.sue that prevents an organ in the body from moving too far. In dentistry, frenulum is referred to lingual or labial frenulum. Frenectomy is a process of removing or modifying that tissue.

Impacted Tooth

A tooth that is not able to break through the gum due to lack of space. Sometimes the tooth can be partially impacted, and peek through the gum but not able to come out completely.