A Guide to Dental Treatments and How OralMax™ CBCT Scans Aid Informed Decisions
By Dr. Ezra Ching with Insights DiagnosticTaking care of your teeth involves understanding the various treatment options available. In this article, we will break down common dental issues and treatments in a simplified manner. We will also explore how cutting-edge technology like OralMax™ CBCT scans can be crucial in helping your dentist determine the best treatment for your specific situation.
When it comes to dental issues like cavities, infections, or damaged teeth, there are different ways in which your dentist can address them. Dentists have a wide range of treatments to choose from. These include root canals, extractions, dental implants, and cavity treatments. Given that each case is unique your dentist will create a plan that fits your needs.
Dental Treatment for Cavities
Cavities are primarily caused by decay which occurs when the natural bacteria activity gets altered, because of the frequent consumption of sugar, in your mouth produce acids that gradually erode the protective layer of your teeth, known as enamel. This erosion leads to the development of small openings or holes and discoloration that are seen on the tooth.
To prevent these cavities from causing more extensive damage, it is important that timely attention is given to the issue. Fortunately, effective treatments like fillings, inlays, or onlays are available in treating such. These treatments not only repair the affected tooth but also restore your oral health.
When deciding on the most suitable treatment, dentists consider the depth of the cavity and its impact on your tooth. The aforementioned are information that can be provided by an OralMax™ CBCT Scan.
Root Canal vs. Extraction
When a tooth's innermost part, known as the pulp, becomes infected it can cause intense pain and discomfort. A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further issues from occurring. This helps save the natural tooth and restore its function.
However, there are cases when a root canal might not be possible due to the amount of remaining tooth structure. In such situations, extraction, which means removing the entire tooth, becomes necessary. While this may sound painful, it is a step taken to prevent problems from spreading to other teeth and areas within your mouth.
When identifying which treatment is necessary for your specific dental issue, OralMax™ CBCT scans can help your dentist decide between performing a root canal or extraction. These scans provide a detailed 3D view of the tooth and its surroundings, offering insights into the severity of the infection and the condition of the tooth's root.
Root Canal Treatment vs. Dental Implant
While root canal treatments fix an infected tooth, dental implants are done when there is a missing tooth. These dental implants serve as a replacement for the root of the tooth, which is surgically placed into the jawbone. This provides a strong foundation for an artificial crown of a tooth to be attached, restoring both function and aesthetics.
Similar to the root canal vs. extraction, your dentist will need a comprehensive understanding of your dental structure through the use of OralMax™ CBCT Scans which can help your dentist evaluate the density and quality of your jawbone to ensure that it is able to effectively support and implant.
How CBCT Scans Revolutionize Dental Diagnosis and Treatment
OralMax™ CBCT scans are like supercharged X-rays, offering detailed 3D images of your teeth, bones, and soft tissues. They can produce 3D images that are useful for various oral and maxillofacial situations that can guide your dentist in the diagnosis and assessment of the extent of your condition, treatment planning and delivery, and follow-ups (Venkatesh & Elluru, 2017). With this technology, your dentist can precisely identify the issue, whether it's an infection, decay, or structural problem. This clarity allows them to plan treatments that are minimally invasive and effective. Overall, OralMax™ CBCT scans enhance the accuracy of diagnosis, allowing your dentists to recommend more tailored treatments for better outcomes.
Understanding the different treatments can help you and your dentist make informed decisions for your dental health. Here are a few things to remember:
- Trust your dentist's expertise for recommendations specific to your dental condition.
- OralMax™ CBCT scans provide accurate insights which can lead to successful treatments.
Supporting Articles: Elluru Venkatesh, & Snehal Venkatesh Elluru. (2017). Cone Beam Computed Tomography: Basics and Applications in Dentistry. Journal of Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry, 51(3 Suppl 1), S102-S121. https://doi.org/10.17096/jiufd.00289