2D IMAGING
OPG (Orthopantomogram)
An OPG is a panoramic or wide view x-ray of the lower face, which displays all the teeth of the upper and lower jaw on a single film. It demonstrates the number, position and growth of all the teeth including those that have not yet surfaced or erupted. It is different from the small close up x-rays dentists take of individual teeth. An OPG may also reveal problems with the jawbone and the joint which connects the jawbone to the head, called the Temporomandibular joint or TMJ. An OPG may be requested for the planning of orthodontic treatment, for assessment of wisdom teeth or for a general overview of the teeth and the bone which supports the teeth.
Procedure
Lateral Cephalogram
A Lateral Cephalogram (Lat Ceph) is a lateral or side view x-ray of the face, which demonstrates the bones and facial contours in profile on a single film. Lat Ceph x-rays are usually used in the diagnosis and treatment of orthodontic problems.
Procedure
You may be asked to remove jewellery, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that may obscure the images. You will be asked to stand with your head against the machine so that it can be adjusted for your comfort. Pair of cone shaped plastic supports are then gently positioned in each ear, rather like a pair of headphones. This aligns both ears to ensure that an exact side view of the face is obtained. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Frontal Cephalogram (P-A Cephalogram)
A frontal cephalogram is a radiograph of the head taken with the x-ray beam perpendicular to the patient’s coronal plane with the x-ray source behind the head and the film cassette in front of the patient’s face. P-A cephalograms are usually taken for evaluation and treatment planning of patients with facial asymmetry.
Procedure
You may be asked to remove jewellery, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that may obscure the images. You will be asked to stand with your face against the cassette or sensor so that it can be adjusted for your comfort. Pair of cone shaped plastic supports are then gently positioned in each ear, rather like a pair of headphones. This aligns both ears to ensure that an exact view of the face is obtained. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
Both Temporomandibular Joint (Both TMJ)
Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders are medical problems related to the jaw joint, which connects the jaw or mandible to the temporal bone at each side of the head. As you open and close your mouth each time you talk, chew, sing or yawn, your jaw condyles glide along the joint socket of the temporal bone. Standard x-rays of the TMJs are taken in the open and closed position for each side. Additional, advanced medical imaging, such as Cone Beam CT (CBCT) might also be needed to fully assess the TMJs.
Procedure
You may be asked to remove jewellery, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that may obscure the images. You will be asked to stand with your face resting on a small shelf and to bite on a sterile mouth piece to steady your head. It is important to stay very still while the x-ray is taken. After the first rotation of the x-ray tube around your head, you will be asked to open your mouth as wide as possible for the second rotation. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.
3D IMAGING (CBCT)
Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a relatively new technique, which is mainly used to assess the jaws and teeth. Its main advantage compared to OPGs and other dental x-rays is that it provides three-dimensional imaging (similar to conventional CT, but with a lower radiation dose). Nidaan uses an advanced Cone Beam CT (CBCT) system, which provides high definition, three dimensional imaging to complement our other dental imaging services like OPG. Cone Beam CT offers 3-D evaluation of dental anatomy and pathology: for example impacted teeth, pre-implant assessment, orthodontic assessment, and assessment for jaw and face surgery. The x-ray beam is cone-shaped and it generates high quality images. CBCT scan needs lower radiation, which is a huge advantage over conventional CT scan. High quality images from CBCT scan help dentists to determine the cause of the dental issue and plan for more precise treatment.
Procedure
The three-dimensional image data will also be provided on a disc to the dentist or specialist who referred you, and can be used with other software, for example for implant planning.
CBCT IN IMPLANTS
Study consists of cross sections and panoramic projections using Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scanner. It can be of an individual area or the whole mandible or maxilla. CBCT 3D technology is one of the most effective tools available for evaluating implant sites. 3D images can identify potential pathologies and structural abnormalities with unprecedented accuracy.
Cross sectional and panoramic views facilitate various measurements such as: height and width of the implant sites, mandibular edentulous site, a potential implant site near the mental foremen, width of the buccal/lingual ridge and cortical bone density. 3D images highlight the cortical bone thickness, the cancellous bone density, inferior alveolar nerve and the mental foremen location. They also influence the choice of the appropriate implant to be used, its placement, its width and consideration of “die back” from dense cortical bone.
CBCT IN TM JOINT EVALUATION
3D CBCT takes the examination of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ ) to a new level. After a single scan, Sagittal and Coronal views can be sectioned to show joint space and pathologies. 3D image reconstruction can clearly provide detailed information of the TMJ and Cervical Spine anatomy. A wide panoramic view provides a quick screening tool, where differences in condylar and ramus height as well as other dental pathologies can be checked.
CBCT IN ENDODONTICS & PERIODONTICS
In order to perform certain procedures, like treating a fractured tooth, mandibular canal therapy and caring for the surrounding tissue, endodontic and periodontic specialists require extremely high quality images that will allow them to identify every detail of the treatment area, make an accurate diagnosis, and establish an effective treatment plan. Upon carrying out a thorough examination of the area in question, the user will gain a full appreciation for the device’s less invasive nature and greater suitability.
CBCT IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY
This discipline deals with the correction of various soft and hard tissue diseases afflicting the maxillofacial area. Scans performed precisely illustrate specific characteristics, such as the presence of teeth or fractures, bone density and depth, and the shape and the inclination of the root. Furthermore, in the case of post-operative scans, the presence of any metallic elements will not affect image quality. On the contrary, thanks to the low number of rays necessary, the scattering effect is almost non-existent, thus allowing the anatomical structures scanned to be clearly displayed.
CBCT – Airway Assessment in Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
The most recognized risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea is an anatomical narrowing of the upper airway. In particular, the locus is in the oropharyngeal area. Identifying the exact location of the obstruction is important and upper airway imaging techniques can help with this question. Scan performed precicely illustrates the anatomical region of narrowing to guide the doctor in treatment.
