Why CBCT Cone Beam 3D Xrays are Necessary for Implants and Removal of Wisdom Teeth
Yes it is necessary to take a cone beam 3D x-ray for removal of impacted wisdom teeth because the the dentist needs to see all the nerves and arteries in the jaw to insure they are not harmed during wisdom teeth surgery. Additionally, it is helpful to know where the impacted teeth are in the jaw to avoid making surgical incisions on the wrong side of the jaw (tongue side vs cheek side).
The incidence of impacted third molars has been quite high ranging from 16%-72%. Wisdom teeth become impacted due to slow development of jaw bones, tight spaces for teeth eruption, and abnormal facial development patterns. When teeth crowding is seen expanders are needed to create room for proper occlusion, tongue function and breathing. Avoid removing teeth for braces and to straighten teeth.
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Impacted Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Complications:
- pain
- swelling
- inability to open mouth or limited jaw opening
- Jaw infection and spread of infection into other facial spaces
Keeping Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Tooth Loss and Infection
Your dental health care provider will decide whether or not to remove impacted wisdom tooth. Most often wisdom teeth removal is recommended when impacted teeth are causing oral infections and hindrance with normal oral functions. Often wisdom teeth will put pressure against the roots of other teeth. The pressure can damage or destroy other teeth. Wisdom teeth can also be difficult to clean and cause decay to molar teeth in the back of the mouth. Wisdom teeth removal becomes necessary when keeping the teeth can cause further tooth loss and infection. Wisdom teeth may not have enough room to grow into the mouth. Special care must be taken whenever third molar surgery is planned especially in the lower jaw due to presence of vital structures including nerves and major blood vessels in close proximities of teeth.
Platelet Rich Fibrin Helps Wisdom Teeth Surgery Healing
Meet Dr. Adams
Dr. Adams uses 3D imaging and practices dentistry with a holistic approach in the Washington DC area. Some of the services he performs are sedation dentistry, expansion appliances for children and adults and dental implants procedures.
Nerve Damage and Bleeding Complications
Severe bleeding episodes and loss of nerve sensations have been associated with wisdom tooth surgery. Complete evaluation and comprehensive visual and radiographic examination is extremely necessary for prevention of complications and uneventful removal of wisdom teeth. Simple 2D xrays including periapical and panoramic views only show two dimensional details and are often insufficient for planning of wisdom tooth removal procedures. Three dimensional cone beam scan and CBCT scan are considered to be the modern modalities of choice for the assessment of proximity of vital structures in relation to wisdom tooth roots. 3D imaging should be utilized in complex cases with impacted wisdom teeth with dilacerated roots or where significant abnormalities are encountered. CBCT is also necessary for implant dentistry.
CBCT 3D lmaging is Especially Helpful When:
- Wisdom teeth which lie deep either superimposing on the mandibular nerve canal or seem to be crossing it on regular radiographs,
- Disrupted nerve canal outline depicted in regular x rays,
- Nerve canal having a step or curve in its course where wisdom tooth roots join,
- Where associated cyst or other pathology is evident.
- generally any procedure where it is a tooth is going to be removed where the roots go deep into the jaws and the extraction is going to be anything other than straight forward and simple.
In conclusion, 3D Xrays and CBCT help prevent serious consequences such as permanent nerve paresthesia, numbness and discomfort following wisdom tooth removal. Cone beam xrays also help guide and assist the clinician help determine the location of roots where extractions are needed. CBCT or cone beam x rays are necessary for most lower extractions unless the tooth is already loose and can be visualized in the mouth.
A treatment that is very helpful in better wisdom teeth and implant surgery healing is PRF in implants and wisdom teeth. CBCT cone beam scan necessary – yes to protect your nerves and arteries.