What is CBCT technology, and why is it important?
While once reserved for specialists such as oral surgeons or root canal experts, Cone Beam Computed Tomography, or CBCT, imaging is becoming more common in general practices.
“Specifically, the CBCT is a 3D X-ray that’s going to show more than the traditional 2D X-rays,” Sieng said.
The 3D view can reveal hidden issues long before symptoms arise.
Some dental infections are notoriously difficult to spot on traditional films, especially in upper teeth where roots overlap the sinus cavity.
“[One of my patients] had an existing crown, but no root canal. On the 3D X-ray, I could see a dormant infection. It was asymptomatic, but it was chronic,” Sieng said. “Catching it early gives patients an opportunity to treat it now, while they’re not in pain, and it’s not an emergency.”
Which dental cases benefit most from CBCT?
“Root canals greatly benefit, and it’s also routinely used for implants,” Sieng said. “[For implants], patients have to have enough width and vertical height. Only on a 3D X-ray can we accurately measure someone’s jawbone to preplan an implant and make sure it’s away from critical structures like nerves and sinuses.”
Another major advancement at JS Family Dental is same-day crown technology.
“[The intraoral scanner] scans all sides of the teeth,” Sieng said. “It creates a 3D digital model. In about five minutes, I can design a crown that is the correct height and width for that space. Then we send that job to a mill, which is in our office.”
The milling process shapes a crown from a block of porcelain, which is then fired in an oven for strength. Normally, patients would have to wait more than a week for their crown, often leading to temporary crowns breaking over weekends or holidays.
However, this new technology takes away that risk factor, allowing patients to get a permanent crown within two hours.
At JS Family Dental, this is an everyday service.
“Crowns are pretty routine,” she said. “We’re very accurate and efficient at our office. I would say it's a pain-free, fast experience.”
“3D printing will be the future. ... However, right now it’s still in its infancy. They are currently trying to develop materials that can permanently be in people’s mouths,” Sieng said. “Printing would be even faster [than milling]. Maybe in another 10 years, crowns will only be an hour-long appointment. The equipment will be cheaper for more dental offices to acquire versus the current high cost of milling machines.”
With advanced tools in place and an eye on the next generation of dental innovation, JS Family Dental continues to bring high-level technology and expertise directly to its patients.
Click here to see JS Family Dental’s full range of services, or contact the team to book an appointment today.
Location: 7785 Eldorado Parkway, Ste. 300, McKinney
