With the advancement of medical technology, the accuracy and efficiency of dental implants have been significantly improved. Among them, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become an important imaging technology. It provides detailed information required by dental professionals through three-dimensional images. Especially in the planning and diagnosis of dental implants, CBCT has been widely regarded as The gold standard.
CBCT is an X-ray-based medical imaging technology, which is characterized by the use of divergent X-rays to form a conical scanning area. This technology is not only used in dental implants, but also plays a key role in fields such as otolaryngology, plastic surgery and interventional radiology. In dental applications, CBCT can provide clearer and more detailed images of oral structures, allowing doctors to accurately understand the patient's dental and bone conditions.
CBCT has been described as the gold standard for imaging of the oral cavity and craniofacial region.
CBCT technology was independently developed by Dr. Yoshinori Yasui in Japan and Dr. Piero Mozzo in Italy in the 1990s. In 1996, the first commercial CBCT system, the NewTom 9000, was launched in the European market and entered the US market in 2001. As CBCT technology matures, its applications in dental implants and other medical fields are expanding.
In dental implant planning, CBCT provides dentists with important three-dimensional views, enabling them to accurately assess implant location and surrounding structures. The American Academy of Oral and Craniofacial Radiology (AAOMR) recommends that CBCT technology is the best choice for pre-implant evaluation. Imaging using CBCT not only shows the detailed condition of the tooth root and its associated structures, but also allows for a better assessment of bone density, which is critical for successful dental implants.
According to the American Academy of Endodontics, CBCT technology can demonstrate key root canal anatomy that cannot be seen with traditional intraoral or panoramic imaging.
In addition to dental implants, CBCT is becoming increasingly important in orthodontics, endodontic therapy, and craniofacial surgery. For orthodontics, CBCT's three-dimensional images enable doctors to accurately assess the growth status of teeth, while for root canal treatment, CBCT can clearly display the complex structure of the root canal, greatly improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
The main advantage of CBCT systems is their ability to provide high-resolution images at a relatively low radiation dose. Compared with traditional CT, the radiation dose of CBCT is usually 97% lower, which can effectively reduce the radiation risk to patients in diagnostic and treatment cases. Additionally, the rapid scan time of CBCT technology means a more comfortable experience for patients.
Although CBCT has many advantages, there are still some challenges and concerns that need to be considered. CBCT images may be affected by motion artifacts, which are particularly evident on some older machines. In addition, the accuracy of bone density assessment described in the past still requires further research and development to overcome the current limitations.
With the advancement of technology, CBCT will be more widely used in dentistry and other medical fields. For example, in future research and development, more advanced reconstruction algorithms may enhance image clarity, providing doctors with greater information support during treatment. CBCT technology may also help to carry out more precise image-guided radiation therapy to ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment.
In this era of rapid change in imaging technology, we can't help but ask: How will medical imaging continue to change the way we diagnose and treat patients in the future?