i-CAT Scans and CBCT Digital Imaging in Buffalo, NY

Are you looking for a faster, safer, and more predictable method of obtaining 3D imaging of your teeth and facial bones? i-CAT scans and CBCT digital imaging provide a panoramic x-ray of your face, jaw, and teeth for more accurate diagnostics and treatment planning.

Dental and orthodontic treatment have come a long way during the last few decades, and not just in treatment options. Before your dentist or orthodontist fills cavities, performs root canals or oral surgery, or even fits you for certain types of oral appliances, they first take x-rays and other imaging of your teeth. This helps your dental professional ensure that they choose the right treatments.

Download Our Free Orthodontic Care Guide

What Is an i-CAT Scan?

An i-CAT® Scan is used by orthodontists to create a 3D view of your teeth and the craniofacial structure. It takes less than five seconds. i-CAT Scan is revolutionary not just because of its 3D results and quick use. It also helps protect you from being overexposed to radiation. The technology can be specifically targeted and provides a lower dose of radiation than older options.

i-CAT Scan helps ensure that your dental or orthodontic treatment is perfect for you. It gives your dental professional more accuracy and clearer images. If you need a temporary anchorage device, iCAT® Scan makes the placement options perfectly clear to your orthodontist. For younger people, i-CAT Scan can still be used. This technology can help dental professionals assess teeth that have yet to surface as well as showing root placement and impactions.

i-CAT Scan has different options for use depending on whether you need implants or orthodontic care.

Is an i-Cat Scan Safe for Pregnant Women?

There are times when pregnant women need dental implants or orthodontic care that may not be able to wait until after the birth of their baby. Although i-CAT Scans have a low radiation exposure, your dental professional may advise you to hold off as long as possible. There are often temporary measures that can be implemented by your dental professional in order for you to get some amount of treatment now if necessary and wait until after the baby is born for an i-CAT Scan.

What Is CBCT Digital Imaging?

cbct-icat-dental-imaging

CBCT Digital Imaging, also known as cone beam computed tomography is another recent advancement in dental technology. It provides another quick way for dental professionals to examine the positioning of your teeth, their roots, and the bones in your face. It takes only 20 seconds and, much like an i-CAT Scan, it has a much lower dose of radiation than older types of CT scans. This type of scan is used to help plan your dental treatment.

Common uses for CBCT Digital Imaging include planning for dental implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontic treatment, and the assessment and treatment of TMJ.

Is CBCT Digital Imaging Safe for Pregnant Women?

Because a CBCT digital imaging procedure is a CT scan, we do not recommend it for pregnant women. There is no known “safe” level of exposure for unborn babies. This is why it is safest to wait for this type of dental scan until after the end of your pregnancy.

What Do Patients Need to Know About These Digital Imaging Procedures?

Because the i-CAT® Scan and CBCT imaging are both a form of CT scan, there are somethings that you need to know. As mentioned earlier, both have a lower amount of radiation exposure than their predecessors. Regardless of which of these scans you will undergo, the things you need to know are the same.

The processes are painless. You sit upright in a chair. In most CBCT digital imaging, a device moves around your head. It takes a lot of pictures in a very short amount of time. Because both the i-CAT Scan and CBCT digital imaging machines take the pictures so quickly, it is ideal for both younger patients and older patients. In order for your dental professional to get the best images possible out of the i-CAT Scan or a CBCT digital imaging machine, you must be still. This keeps the images from becoming fuzzy.

Wear comfortable clothing. You should not wear jewelry including earrings, necklaces, or piercings. Ideally, you should not wear hairpins or glasses. You may be asked to remove any dental appliances that are in your mouth. This may include your dentures. However, do not just leave your dentures or dental appliances at home. Your orthodontist may find them useful after the scans in order to help plan your treatment.

You should reach out to your dental insurance company, or call our office before your scan. It’s important that you know if any portion of the i-CAT Scan or CBCT digital imaging is covered. If so, what portion of the payment you will be responsible in covering.

How Much Does A Dental CT Cost?

If you are getting a dental CT scan the cost is around $700. Of course, this is the price without insurance. Insurance costs can be discussed within the office, if needed there is the option for payment plans. We are here to help you every step of the way.

How Much Radiation Is in A Cone Beam CT?

A Cone Beam CT is a very low-dose scan that will let your dentist look at the anatomy of your jaw. This can be useful when trying to diagnose and treat a variety of dental issues. The amount of radiation given off by a Cone Beam CT will vary from 18-200 µSv. This all depends on the size of the patient, field of view, resolution of the image, manufacturer settings along with the location of interest.

Does Dental Insurance Cover A CT Scan?

There are not many dental insurance companies who cover CT scans. There are cases though when deemed medically necessary where they will be covered. Some issues that could be covered include sinus evaluation, pathology and trauma.

Can A Dentist Do A CT Scan?

There are dental CT scans your dentist is able to use on you. They are used in scenarios where facial or dental x-rays may not be the best option to get the job done. This can be used to create 3D images of your nerve pathways, soft tissues and teeth in one scan.

Can A CT Scan Show Tooth Infection?

A CT Scan can certainly show a tooth infection. A regular X-Ray can be done of a tooth that is giving you trouble and show any abscesses. If the X-Rays have shown that the infection has spread, then a CT Scan will probably be ordered. More importantly if the infection has spread to the neck a CT scan will most likely be ordered.

Like us on Facebook!

Orthodontists Associates of Western New York is proud to offer CBCT digital imaging throughout Buffalo, Lancaster, Olean, Hamburg, Orchard Park, and Dunkirk, East Aurora, and Niagara Falls New York. If you are considering orthodontic treatment and would like to learn more about CBCT digital imaging, please contact one of our 7 convenient orthodontic offices to arrange a free consultation.