Technology has had a great impact on dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery over the years. One of the most profound and exciting advances has come in the way of imaging. Current office-based imaging techniques allow us to diagnose maxillofacial disease with a high degree of accuracy. These imaging techniques also aid us in planning treatment virtually, so there are no surprises when it comes to actually treating our patients.
Digital Radiography
Dental imaging with digital X-ray sensors gives us high-definition, digital images while using 90 percent less radiation exposure than conventional film radiography. Digital films can also be manipulated and enlarged, allowing small details to be better visualized.
The i-CAT™ Cone Beam CT Scanner
This is one of the most powerful tools we have in our office for diagnosis and treatment planning. By using this scanner, we are able to generate a 3-dimensional, digital, and precise representation of your oral and facial anatomy. For most maxillofacial issues, we can avoid sending patients to the hospital for a medical CT, which is far more costly and exposes the patient to much more radiation. Cone beam CT has a radiation exposure similar to a conventional 2-D panoramic radiograph, but provides significantly more information and is much more precise. This imaging tool helps our surgeons in many areas of surgery, such as jaw reconstruction, dental implant placement, wisdom teeth removal, or treatment of pathological lesions of the jaws. The images can be used to generate 3D printed models from which surgical guides can be created to aid in dental implant surgery and orthognathic surgery (surgery to reposition the jaws).
Intraoral Digital Scanner
This technology allows us to digitally scan a patient’s teeth which can take the place of dental impressions. The images also provide a close-up photograph of the mouth and teeth which can aid in diagnosis. The digital scanner images can be combined with the cone-beam CT images to allow virtual surgery and 3 D manipulation.
Dr. Andrew Bluhm, Dr. Steve Dorsch and Dr. Gene Vandervort are pleased to offer advanced imaging for your Oral and Maxillofacial needs. If you have any questions, please reach out to our team in Ashburn or Leesburg, Virginia, today!