3D Imaging in Norton Shores, MI

Your Splendent Implant Center team uses 3D imaging in three ways:

• Diagnostics: We can identify issues more easily because we have a better view of the tissues of your head and neck. We have a better chance of providing you with a clear, accurate cause of your symptoms because we have multi-dimensional views of all the hard and soft tissues of and around the oral cavity.
• Treatment planning: We can create the best treatment plan for your unique needs using the detailed information provided by the 3D image.
• Treatment preparation and as an aid during treatment: When we need to perform a procedure like a bone graft or dental implant, we need to know exactly where we’re going to perform surgery. X-rays can give us a good idea, but 3D imaging provides more thorough information. Using the 3D image, we can create a guide that helps us place the implant in the perfect area. During root canal treatments, each case can present with its own unique challenges. 3D imaging is often used as a tool during treatment to confirm accuracy of access and to aid in locating and cleaning calcified canals.

There is minimal radiation exposure. Some patients who visit their dentist (whether to see their general dentist or our Splendent team) worry about getting dental x-rays. Since ionizing radiation is a known carcinogen, their concern is entirely understandable.

To provide optimal care, we take steps to reduce a patient’s exposure to radiation. This includes providing them with protective lead apron coverings and digital x-rays, which have up to 80% lower levels of radiation than traditional x-rays and less radiation than spending a day in the sun.

3D imaging releases more radiation than a single dental x-ray. However, we only prescribe CBCT when necessary (not at every visit), and the amount of exposure is minimal. The entire process takes just a few seconds, meaning there’s approximately 10 times less exposure than with conventional CT scans.