Sidekick - Autumn 2012 - (Page 51)

Multi-Modality Endodontics with 3D Imaging — What to Look for in a New Imaging Unit As an endodontist in New Jersey, I know the standard of care in my profession is changing dynamically in relation to the technology that is available. Researching and investing in the right technology allows dentists the full potential to practice the complete spectrum of endodontics. BRIAN TRAVA, DMD, PA Cone Beam Computed Technology (CBCT) 3D imaging has been repeatedly mentioned by our professional associations and various authors as a new standard. It is a conduit to advancing the specialty of endodontics, raising our high standards of excellence and providing enhanced comprehensive oral health care to our patients. Having the right technology allows your practice to provide superior diagnosis and guidance to fellow medical and dental professionals. There has been a rapid influx of 3D imaging machines on the market, but not all machines are right for every practice. If you have done more research on a new car purchase than you’ve done on a CBCT, you may be missing out on some key features that will be beneficial to your practice. After all, your car won’t return your investment like your CBCT machine will. I thought it would be helpful to my fellow dentists and Henry Schein readers to share what I discovered during my research for a 3D imaging unit. What is Multi-Modality Endodontics? Multi-modality endodontics (MME) is the use of multimodality imaging machines to treat our endodontic patients. Having the specific strengths of several complementary imaging modalities and software has numerous advantages in the assessment and treatment of our patients. We become more comprehensive in aiding our colleagues. Saving our natural dentition is the most important task, but diagnosing and treating the surrounding oral facial structures is just as important. A Multi-modality machine (MMM) allows for 2D imaging, 3D imaging, a true panorex, periapical imaging, and a true “Super Bitewing”. The 3D imaging should have the flexibility to go from large to small volume, but most of all bilateral. The imaging modalities should be flexible enough to view any area Fig. 1–Bilateral imaging, along with an implant library, adds to the ease of computer-guided implant treatment planning of the oral maxillary complex, including TMJ and sinus. I find it very useful for the software to have an implant library and the capability to place them (see Figure 1). Comprehensive Treatment A good MMM will have the capability to render varying size 2D and 3D images. If radiation exposure is an issue, the machine should have the ability to blend a variety of mA/kV and be able to apply them in multiple-size 2D or 3D images. Please make sure your salesman or dealer is specific about these. Many machines are focused only on needing a small volume (3x5). A good MMM is not limited. It has the advantage of rendering a small single tooth scan and the ability to do a bilateral or full scan. If the patient has a lifetime of dental restorations or is anticipating work in a future treatment plan, having a one-time CBCT scan has many advantages: • Increased success with treating current endodontic teeth. • Knowledge of all root morphology for future endodontic treatment. • Diagnosing incipient issues, a cost savings to the patient. • Bilateral is more comprehensive for implant placement and guide fabrication. It is expensive for the practitioner and patient. • Less radiation and less time consuming to do one scan rather than multiple small volume scans. Prescreening for medical procedures is a simple task with the right MMM. Many physicians look to our office to rule out any major dental issues, sidekick | autumn 2012 51 A good 3D CBCT imaging unit should be able to help you better diagnose pain

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Sidekick - Autumn 2012

Sidekick - Autumn 2012
Table of Contents
Henry Schein Financial Services
Fiscally Fit in 2012
Plaistow Dental
CAD/CAM Technology
Featured Designs
Just Kids Dental
The Case Against Utilizing Digital Technology in Your Practice
ProService
A Clear Improvement in Imaging
TechCentral
Evolve Your Practice’s Communications
Multi-Modality Endodontics with 3D Imaging
The Last Piece of My Technology Puzzle
Six Reasons for Choosing an i-CAT
Claremont Dental Institute
Privileges
Professional Practice Transitions

Sidekick - Autumn 2012