In late September, CareArc Dental Department unveiled its newest acquisition – a Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) machine, which captures 3D scans of patients’ teeth. This advanced equipment, noted by Clinic Manager Pamela Hatch, is a rarity in many dental offices, with even fewer in Emporia, making it a significant addition to the local healthcare landscape.
The CBCT machine was funded through a grant from the American Rescue Plan’s Funding for Health Centers, allocated by the Health Resources and Services Administration. According to Hatch, the introduction of this technology revolutionizes the diagnostic process, allowing dental professionals to detect oral health issues more accurately, all while eliminating the need for patients to visit external facilities for specialized scans.
“Traditional 2D imaging is akin to viewing a photograph,” Hatch explained. “We can see the image, but we can’t rotate it or examine it from different angles. With 3D, we can slice the image in any direction, offering a much more detailed view of the patient’s teeth.”
The new CBCT technology enhances the ability to identify a range of dental concerns, from cracks and cavities to abnormalities and missing teeth. Dentists can manipulate the 3D scan to examine every angle of a patient’s teeth, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. With this more detailed information, issues can either be addressed directly at CareArc or, if necessary, referred to a specialist.
“This technology expands our capacity to address both current problems and preventative care,” Hatch said. “By capturing a 3D image, we might uncover issues that weren’t initially apparent on a 2D scan.”
Before the CBCT machine’s arrival, CareArc patients often had to be referred to other clinics, sometimes outside the area, to undergo 3D imaging. Hatch believes that the new system will not only reduce the inconvenience of travel but also help lower costs for patients in the long run.
“Now, we can take the necessary images right here, evaluate the situation, and either proceed with treatment or refer patients to the right specialist. And in some cases, we might even be able to refer them to someone local rather than having them travel far,” Hatch said. “It’s a game changer for determining the best treatment plans for our patients.”
To operate the CBCT machine, patients simply stand in position and remain still for about 30 seconds while the technician activates the system. Using a cone-shaped beam, the scanner projects X-rays around the patient’s head, capturing a 3D image of the jaw. Compared to traditional CT scans, CBCT machines expose patients to less radiation and capture images more efficiently, all while providing a detailed view of the oral structures.
Hatch added, “The staff was amazed when we first learned how to use the machine. While 2D images require a lot of imagination to interpret, the 3D scan brings the data to life. You can rotate the images and view them from any angle – it’s truly remarkable.”
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