What Is 3D Oral Imaging?
At Made Ya Smile Dental, we take a whole-mouth approach to improving the smiles of our patients and utilize only the latest in technology to optimize your oral health. A 3D oral imaging dental scan in Houston, TX, is one such technique that gives our team of dentists a 360-degree detailed view of your skull, face, teeth, bone, and other structures in your mouth and jaw. X-rays are great for a number of situations but only provide a two-dimensional view of teeth and bone. With 3D cone beam scans, we can see greater detail of oral structures and identify any oral health concerns in their entirety, including tooth decay, bone loss, and other damage.
Our dentists then use this diagnostic information to more accurately plan the treatments best for your needs. We can also identify and treat problems early on to help our patients make the most informed decisions about their oral health. Such treatments may include full mouth reconstruction, dental implant placement, crown restorations, and more. For more information on how you may benefit from 3D digital imaging for diagnosis, contact one of our state-of-the-art Houston, TX dental practices today.
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Who Is a Candidate for 3D Oral Scans?
A 3D dental scan in Houston, TX, is a fast and highly diagnostic tool, which allows your treatment to be more streamlined and accurate. This type of advanced technology produces low-radiation images of your head, jaw, and mouth and is safe for patients of all ages. Our doctors use 3D imaging to evaluate oral conditions and create treatment plans for a wide range of procedures to deliver the best possible treatment outcomes. When treating children and adolescents, we use this diagnostic tool to monitor facial and jaw development and in orthodontic processes to ensure targeted results are being achieved. For adults, 3D imaging is an integral part of treatment planning for procedures that include dental implants, root canal therapy, TMJ disorders, and restorative procedures, like crowns and fillings. 3D technology is also highly beneficial in restoring health and wellness to patients who have suffered oral or facial trauma.
How Does 3D Oral Imaging Work?
Our team may use our advanced cone beam 3D imagining in Houston, TX, as part of a dental exam or when preparing for a specific treatment process or procedure. Having 3D imaging performed is very comfortable and is really no different than having x-rays taken. To begin, we position you in front of our cone beam machine. The system will make a 360-degree rotation around your head, capturing images of your oral and facial structures as it moves. Quick and easy, the scanning process takes less than 40 seconds. Your images are transmitted to your patient file in our software and immediately available for our team to review. Since a small amount of radiation is used, we ask that you let us know at the beginning of the visit if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant so that we can take the necessary precautions.
What Happens After the 3D Imaging Process?
The frequency of any follow-up intraoral scans is based on individual needs, treatment plans, and oral health conditions. Once our team reviews your 3D dental scans in Houston, TX, we will then create your personalized treatment plan and recommend options for restoring your smile. At Made Ya Smile Dental, your overall health and wellness are our primary concern, and providing treatment plans that address your total oral health ensures your smile gets the attention it deserves. 3D oral scanning technology provides more detailed, comprehensive information than we can gain from just x-rays and may be a part of your examination when visiting our modern Houston, TX dental practice.
Does Insurance Cover 3D Dental Imaging?
3D imaging is a diagnostic procedure often incorporated into a comprehensive dental exam or bi-annual cleaning and exam visit. As such, these digital images for diagnosis are often covered by insurance. Our Made Ya Smile Dental family practice is a provider for most major PPO plans and will work with you to help you get the care you need. We are pleased to accept several convenient payment options, including flexible patient financing through CareCredit®.
3D Imaging FAQ
What is a 3D dental scan in Houston, TX, used for?
Our team utilizes 3D imaging in Houston, TX, for different types of dental procedures. These can include using them before root canal therapy, for proper implant placement, before tooth extractions, and more.
Do I need to prepare for a 3D dental scan in Houston, TX?
You won't have to do anything specific to prepare. On the day of the 3D scan, you may need to remove metal hairpins, earrings, glasses, or hearing aids. These could interfere with the imaging. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, it is vital that you let our team know so we can take extra precautions.
Should I be worried about radiation exposure from a dental scan in Houston, TX?
The amount of radiation you're exposed to when undergoing a 3D dental scan in Houston, TX, is minimal. Our dental team is still extremely careful when performing the 3D imaging. We'll only recommend oral imaging when it will benefit your dental health.
Does a 3D dental scan in Houston, TX hurt?
No. This method is often preferred over traditional x-rays. The results are more effective, it is a faster procedure, and it is generally more comfortable when compared to other options.
State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
Advanced cone beam imaging is an effective, safe, and fast way to gain a whole-mouth perspective of your treatment needs. With 3D images, our doctors are able to diagnose a range of oral concerns in the jaw, teeth, and bone and create proper treatment plans for helping you maximize your oral health. To learn more about how 3D imaging in Houston, TX may benefit your smile, schedule a visit at Made Ya Smile Dental in Houston, TX today.
