The Impact of CBCT Technology on Indian Dental Implant Planning

What Is CBCT?

Cone-beam computed tomography, or CBCT, is a type of CT scan that creates three-dimensional images (3D) of the body from X-rays. These scans are utilized in dentistry to produce images of the teeth, jaw, ears, throat, and neck.  They are a useful tool for dentists to assess a patient's suitability for dental implants by providing additional information on the anatomy of the patient's jawbone.


A dental CBCT scan is a far more detailed and efficient way to get information about oral health than conventional X-rays.  CBCT technology also uses less radiation and requires fewer scans. Furthermore, the cone beam CT scan can display soft tissues and bones, unlike traditional dental X-rays.

This blog will describe the applications of CBCT technology in implant dentistry as well as the benefits it can provide for dental implant planning and monitoring.

Applications Of CBCT In Dentistry

For the better, CBCT has completely changed dental imaging and dental practice. In the following particular situations, CBCT is especially useful:

Implant Dentistry

Assessment of impacted teeth

3D and 2D estimation in orthodontic cases

Maxillofacial lesions, traumas and fractures

TMJ (Temporomandibular joint) evaluation

Examination of Para nasal sinus

Assessment of endodontic and periodontal pathologies
 
 
CBCT: A Boon For Implant Dental Practices In India

Indian dentistry has seen a transformation thanks to CBCT, a 3D imaging technology! Here's how it has revolutionized the dental practice for the better:
  • Implant diagnosis and treatment planning: CBCT offers a three-dimensional image of the patient's oral anatomy, in contrast to conventional X-rays. This helps to detect the bone density, nerve routes, and crucial surrounding structures with a level of clarity. This degree of accuracy and precision is essential for implant placement since it lowers the risk of surgical complications.

  • Time efficiency: CBCT imaging eliminates the necessity for numerous X-rays and hand impressions by producing detailed 3D images. This lessens patient discomfort while also saving time. Furthermore, the data acquired from CBCT imaging enables a quicker, more effective surgical operation.

  • Customizable surgical guides: Implant placement can be guided by individualized surgical guides made from CBCT scans. These guides are digitally or 3D manufactured to exactly fit each patient's unique anatomy. By minimizing the margin for error, the guide ensures that the implant is positioned precisely as intended during the procedure.

  • Better patient outcome and education: Patients can benefit from CBCT scans in addition to dental professionals. Patients feel more educated about their dental health and have a better understanding of their treatment options when they are shown a 3D picture of their oral condition. Patients ought to anticipate a more favorable and predictable outcome with CBCT imaging due to its enhanced accuracy and superior treatment planning capabilities. Dental implants can improve a patient's smile and replace missing teeth, improving their dental health, function, and self-esteem.

Implant prognosis: Dentists can assess the condition of your implants and your dental health with CBCT scans. They can assist in recognizing post-operative complications and limiting their progression. This is essential for monitoring and maintaining the implant’s health. It is recommended that you visit your dentist for check-ups regularly, particularly if you observe any changes in the way teeth are functioning.

Drawbacks Of CBCT:

There are several CBCT limitations that a dental professional needs to be aware of:

-Training is necessary, and there is a learning curve
-Requires specific knowledge and equipment setup
-Insufficient contrast between soft tissues
-Artifacts in imaging
-Dose of radiation

Get The Best Brands Of CBCT Scanner Here:

Signel Biomedical offers a range of the best CBCT machines available in the market currently.

SERIAL NUMBER CBCT SCANNER AVERAGE PRICE*
1 NewTom GiANO HR ₹ 60,00,000
2 Vatech Pax-i3D ₹ 28,00,000
3 Carestream CS-9600 ₹ 70,00,000
4 Genoray Papaya 3D Plus ₹ 31,50,000
5 Acteon 3D And Panoramic X Mind Trium ₹ 50,00,000
6 Rayscan Alpha Plus ₹ 35,00,000
7 Carestream (Kodak) ₹ 35,00,000
8 Duerr Dental VistaVox S ₹ 38,94,000
9 FW 12008Pro-3D ₹ 45,00,000
10 Castelini X-Radius Compact ₹ 40,00,000

*Prices may vary depending on the dealer and retailer

Visit to see the most affordable CBCT machines https://www.signelbiomedical.com/

For further inquiry, call +91 8919117478

Case Studies: True Stories of Success

Let's look at these case studies that demonstrate how CBCT imaging improves dental implant planning:

 

Case Study 1: Optimizing Implant Placement in a Posterior Mandible

Patient Overview:
A 56-year-old female presented with missing molars in the posterior mandible and was seeking dental implants to restore functionality. She had a history of periodontal disease, which resulted in significant bone loss.

CBCT Application:
CBCT imaging was employed to assess the available bone volume and density in the posterior mandible. The scan revealed that the bone was thinner than anticipated, with proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve, which heightened the risk of nerve damage during implant placement.

Outcome:
The CBCT images allowed the dentist to accurately measure the bone dimensions and identify the precise location of the inferior alveolar nerve. This information was crucial in planning the implant size and position. The implant surgery was executed with a flapless approach, reducing patient discomfort and promoting faster healing. The implant was successfully placed without compromising the nerve, and a final crown was placed after osseointegration.

Conclusion:

CBCT provided detailed anatomical insights that were essential for safe and effective implant placement in a challenging area with limited bone and proximity to vital structures.

Case Study 2: Guided Implant Surgery in an Aesthetic Zone

Patient Overview:
A 42-year-old female sought replacement of a missing maxillary central incisor with a dental implant. The patient had high aesthetic expectations, requiring precise implant placement to achieve an optimal cosmetic outcome.

CBCT Application:
CBCT imaging was conducted to evaluate the bone quality and quantity in the anterior maxilla, assess the angulation of the adjacent teeth, and examine the proximity of the nasal cavity. The images provided a 3D view of the alveolar ridge, revealing a slight labial bone deficiency that could compromise the aesthetic result.

Outcome:
Based on the CBCT analysis, the clinician opted for a guided implant surgery approach. A custom surgical guide was fabricated to ensure precise implant placement according to the ideal angulation and depth. A simultaneous bone graft was performed to augment the labial deficiency. The implant was placed successfully, and after osseointegration, a zirconia crown was placed, matching the adjacent teeth in color and contour.

Conclusion:
CBCT enabled precise planning and guided surgery, crucial for achieving a successful aesthetic outcome in the anterior maxilla, where implant placement is challenging.

 

Case Study 3: Enhancing Dental Implant Placement with CBCT Imaging

Patient Overview:

A 50-year-old female presented with a missing first molar (tooth #36) in the lower left quadrant. She expressed a desire to restore the missing tooth with a dental implant. The patient had no significant medical history, but clinical examination revealed a moderate resorption of the alveolar ridge in the region, raising concerns about the adequacy of bone volume for implant placement.

Clinical Challenge:

The primary challenge, in this case, was determining whether the available bone was sufficient to support a dental implant without encroaching on critical anatomical structures, such as the mandibular canal housing the inferior alveolar nerve. Traditional 2D imaging, such as periapical and panoramic radiographs, provided some information but was inadequate for accurately assessing bone volume, angulation, and the exact location of the nerve near the proposed implant site.

CBCT Application:

To address these challenges, Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was utilized to obtain a detailed 3D image of the patient’s mandible. The CBCT scan provided a comprehensive view of the bone structure, revealing:

  1. Bone Volume and Quality: The scan showed that while the bone height was sufficient, the width was borderline for accommodating the implant. This information was crucial for determining whether bone augmentation would be needed.

  2. Mandibular Canal Location: The CBCT mapped the position of the mandibular canal and the inferior alveolar nerve, showing that the nerve was closer to the proposed implant site than initially anticipated based on 2D imaging.

  3. Bone Density: The scan provided information on the bone density, which was found to be adequate for supporting an implant without the need for additional grafting.

      Treatment Planning:

Armed with the detailed data from the CBCT, the clinician developed a precise treatment plan:

  1. Implant Selection: A narrower implant was selected to fit within the available bone width, ensuring sufficient surrounding bone to support the implant and maintain its stability.

  2. Implant Positioning: The CBCT data allowed the clinician to plan the implant placement with exacting precision, ensuring that the implant would be positioned at a safe distance from the mandibular canal, thus avoiding any risk of nerve injury.

  3. Surgical Guide Fabrication: A custom surgical guide was fabricated based on the CBCT images. This guide would allow for precise drilling and implant placement during surgery, ensuring that the implant was placed in the exact planned location and angulation.

 Surgical Outcome:

 The implant surgery was conducted using the custom surgical guide. The implant was placed precisely according to the pre-surgical plan,    avoiding the mandibular canal and ensuring optimal bone contact. The surgery was completed without complications, and the patient experienced no postoperative pain or numbness, indicating that the nerve was not affected.

Postoperative Follow-Up:

The patient was monitored over several months to ensure proper osseointegration. Follow-up CBCT imaging confirmed that the implant had integrated well with the bone, and there was no evidence of nerve impingement or other complications. A final crown was placed on the implant, restoring full function and aesthetics to the patient’s dentition.

Conclusion:

This case study underscores the value of CBCT in dental implant placement, particularly in cases where critical anatomical structures like the mandibular canal are near the proposed implant site. CBCT provided the necessary 3D visualization to accurately assess bone volume, quality, and nerve location, allowing for precise implant planning and placement. The use of CBCT in this case resulted in a successful outcome, with the implant being placed safely and effectively, and the patient achieving a fully functional and aesthetically pleasing restoration.

 


Conclusion:

A new age of advanced technology in 3D imaging for dental implant diagnosis and treatment planning has been brought about by  CBCT. By providing patients with safer, better-informed treatment alternatives, dentists can achieve greater success rates with reduced complications. With the development of CBCT technology, dental implantology appears to have a better future than before in India.