Friday, February 20, 2009
Those who have already invested in Cone Beam technology have marveled over the 3D images and additional information that contributes to better diagnostics. The 3D view offers us a clear view of teeth, bones, and nerve canals, and gives us the ability to rotate, magnify, and slice images, all leading to precise treatment planning for more successful outcomes. That’s a pretty picture, but our cone beam scanners offer so much more in conjunction with new software applications for different specialties.
A must-have for implantology
For doctors focused on implants, 3D is a necessity for active therapeutic care. When 3D scanning technology is used in conjunction with treatment planning systems such as the Nobel Guide™, Keystone EasyGuide™, SimPlant® and others, clinicians have access to the clear and precise scans needed for implant guided surgery options. These sophisticated applications allow for the fabrication of surgical guides based on the 3D scans using CAD software to achieve a highly predictable result for implant placement.
Enhanced ortho treatment planning
As orthodontists, 3D technology allows us to choose innovative and in many cases, quicker, treatment options. The 3D scan gives us a view of how the teeth fit together from any angle. My office also uses our scans in conjunction with SureSmile. The i-CAT® is the only Cone Beam system to be certified by OraMetrix for seamless integration with SureSmile® technology. Armed with the data from our i-CAT scan, in conjunction with the SureSmile system, virtual tooth movement and CAD technology provide us with prescriptive planning capabilities and robotic archwire customization. Fabricating a SureSmile wire off of our i-CAT scan increases our productivity and predictability. Since we captured the 8.9-second scan for diagnostics, we can use it for SureSmile and save an average of 30 minutes per patient, the time it takes to scan with a 3D camera. Plus, we can use the data of the roots, not just the crowns of the teeth, to gain better setups.
Do your homework
While all of this new technology can have a wonderful impact, it also comes with the added responsibility to learn to use it safely and efficiently. Seminars and training sessions can help you to implement the equipment into your practice, to manipulate the data and to choose and integrate the third party software that will benefit your office the most. Experts at venues such as the i-CAT Training Institute, the International Congress on 3D Dental Imaging, dental symposiums, or users meetings will continue to enlighten you and your staff and generate new ideas for improving and protecting your business. Take every opportunity to learn how to improve patient care and maximize your investment.
Our society is transitioning into the 3D world. As clinicians, we must take advantage of all of the options and learn about the new applications. Through word-of-mouth and referrals, patients in our community quickly find out that we are technology leaders. They respect and appreciate the fact that we invest in the technologies and training that can benefit them or their families.