Why Scans Are Important

A CT scan will allow your doctor to know if anything will be an issue going into your case. A CT scan promises unparalleled gains in diagnostics and treatment planning.

Orthodontics

Orthodontists have always needed special x-rays in order to compare the relationship of your bone structure to your teeth. With a CT scan, the orthodontist is able to evaluate  a 3-dimensional view of your teeth and their position in the bone which is a great advantage.

Impacted Teeth

If you have an impacted tooth,that looks something like this then your doctor wants to know exactly where your nerve lies. Sometimes it is difficult to see on a 2-dimensional x-ray, what a 3-dimensional CT scan shows clearly. He has ordered this scan in order to give you the best results possible.

Airway Assessment

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing several times an hour while you are asleep. It can be very dangerous. A CT scan can show your doctor if you have a restricted airway.  If you do, then there is a good chance that you have or will develop sleep apnea and further evaluation is necessary. A CT scan can show the size and shape of your airway, which is important when a physician is trying to decide on a particular method of treatment.

TMJ Assessment

This is a picture of what a TMJ or temporomandibular joint looks like. The CT scan allows doctors to see it from all angles so that they can look for abnormalities in a way they never could before. Some people develop a condition in which it is difficult to eat because their jaw becomes too tired to chew. Other people may have pain around their ears, or they may hear a loud popping when they eat and their jaw may feel like it is going to "lock" . This can be caused my many things. The fact that doctors can thoroughly evaluate this anatomy is invaluable in coming up with a proper diagnosis.

Locating the Nerve

Whether one has a tooth that needs to be extracted, or needs an implant placed, knowing the location of the mandibular nerve is very important. If this nerve is damaged during a surgery, the patient can have temporary or even permanent numbness to the entire lower side of their face. The nerve is easy to spot in this picture. Doctors have never been able to look at it like this before.