I recently found myself in a bit of a bind when one of my dental implants suddenly fell out. It had been holding up for a solid five years, considering it was attached to a pretty bare spot. My dentist said I needed a CT scan of both jaws before our appointment to assess the quality of the remaining implant and check the condition of the rest of my teeth for any critical issues that needed immediate attention.
The CT scan costs around 2-3 thousand rubles in our city, but my dentist gave me a coupon for one and a half thousand rubles. In this review, I'll walk you through my experience with the dental CT scan, so if you're facing this procedure, you'll know what to expect.
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Why do I need a CT scan?
I asked my dentist to explain.
When do they call for a CT scan:
For complex traumas or anomalies:
That's when they need a detailed look at the damage to the facial area or congenital defects.
For diagnosing hidden caries and complications:
It helps detect inflammation under the roots of teeth (pulpitis, periodontitis) or cavities that aren't visible during a regular check-up.
For planning orthodontic treatment:
To calculate the position of the teeth with high accuracy, which is necessary for installing braces.
For identifying new growths:
It helps detect tumors and cysts in the jaw that may not show up otherwise.
For monitoring treatment:
After root canal treatment or surgery, it's used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and check for any signs of inflammation.
Before implantation or prosthetics:
To assess the condition of the bone tissue, identify any contraindications, and plan the implant placement accurately.
What does a CT scan give you:
High accuracy:
It allows for precise determination of pathology locations, assessment of inflammation sizes, and bone tissue condition.
Full Information:
The dentist gets a maximum amount of data about the tooth row, jaw, nasal sinuses, and other structures, which provides a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Three-Dimensional Image:
Unlike a flat X-ray, CT creates a 3D model, allowing you to consider the structures of teeth and bones from all sides.
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Preparation for the Computer Tomography Procedure
No prep work is required beforehand. You don't need to be fasting or take anything beforehand. I just brushed my teeth before the procedure to get rid of any leftover food, but it's not necessary. You just need to remove any jewelry - earrings, necklaces, glasses, piercings, dentures, and so on. You'll also need your passport for the clinic to finalize the contract and fill out the consent form for the procedure.
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Description of Computer Tomography
I arrived at the clinic a bit early. I went through registration at the counter - they only need your passport. And, in my case, a coupon for a discount on the procedure. They asked me again if I had any jewelry on my body at the moment. They also had me fill out the consent form for the procedure, which includes the radiation dose.
So, I was led into the CT room.
xa0CT MachineThis is a small room divided into two parts - one side has the CT machine, and the other side is separated by a door and glass - that's where the CT operator is, conducting the diagnosis.xa0Then, they put a large, heavy lead vest on me with sticky pads. It's designed to protect the body from radiation. I was led to the CT machine and told to put my head on a special support.
Next, they pulled out a small plastic stick and inserted it into the device. I had to bite down on this stick with my teeth, so my teeth were in a special notch on the stick. With my hands, I gripped the special handles to stand up straight and steady, so the photo wouldn't be blurry.
After all the prep work, the operator told me to swallow my saliva and not to swallow it throughout the procedure. When she was sure I was ready, she left the room and closed the door behind her. From then on, she conducted the procedure behind a glass wall, watching the whole operation.
The two CT machine parts started slowly rotating around my head, taking a photo from different angles. The whole CT scan of both jaws takes less than a minute. You'd think it's easy to just swallow, but when someone tells you not to, all you can think about is how much you want to swallow!Then the operator came out of the room, freed me from the device, helped me remove the protective vest, and let me out of the cabin. I sat down in the waiting area, and just five minutes later, they brought me out a printed copy of the scan
Upper and lower jaw CT scanand the CD with the scan recording.I also sent my scans to my dentist via email, and she called me that evening to say that I don't need to worry about the tooth and she's going to try to save it.They also gave me a receipt and a contract so I could claim the tax refund. They asked if I needed a receipt, and I hesitated before saying yes, just in case.
I tried to give you a more detailed explanation of the computer tomography procedure for teeth. It's not scary at all, it's completely painless, and the best part is that it's quick. Your dentist will be able to see the whole picture of your teeth and prevent any future problems. And let's be real, it's a lot cheaper to fix things now than it is to deal with them later.
The scan will also give you a clear picture of your jaw. For example, I can see all my roots, where they're filled, how they're positioned, the blood vessels, and any dark spots that the dentist should take a closer look at. My dentist also explained that I have uneven teeth due to tartar buildup, which could lead to shifting and losing my front lower teeth. Now I need a professional cleaning, and I'll be writing a review about that soon.
CT scan of teethA CT scan is also a must-have if you're planning to get implants, as it gives your dentist a clear 3D image of your jawbone to help them plan the procedure and avoid any potential complications.I'm not wishing tooth troubles on anyone, but if you do need to go down this route, a 3D scan is a no-brainer. It's a straightforward process, and I'm glad I did it. I hope my review has been helpful - stay healthy and keep smiling!