3D Dental Imaging: Revolutionising Dentistry

Arguably one of the most significant advancements in modern dentistry, 3D dental imaging has streamlined restorative and cosmetic dentistry and facilitated treatment planning.

How does 3D imaging work?

3D imaging encompasses cone beam scanning, allowing dentists to get a comprehensive look at your teeth from all angles and diagnose problems that a 2D scanner would not necessarily pick up on. This makes it easier for dentists to plan treatments and diagnose conditions with more precision as they are able to view the width, height, and depth of each individual tooth as well as your muscles and nerves.

When is 3D imaging most commonly used? 

• Cosmetic/Restoration – 3D imaging can prepare the patient for oral surgery and reconstructive therapy – it gives the dentist a better ability to effectively plan more complex treatments.
• Orthodontic – A 3D image can be created and used for diagnosing orthodontic issues.
• Implants – Provides customisable services and an efficient one-time fitting session by ascertaining the correct placement for dental implants.

What can I expect?

Your dentist will ask you to place your head on a chin rest to prevent any movement that may compromise the accuracy of the scan. Over a period of seconds, the machine will rotate around your head, taking pictures of your jaw, skull and teeth. 3D dental imaging takes up less time than regular X-rays and yields a higher level of accuracy. Here at Smile Up, our Carestream CS8100 scanner exposes patients to significantly less radiation than a traditional X-ray would, putting the patient’s safety first. The compact unit (pictured above) is accessible to patients of all sizes and for those in wheelchairs, putting patient comfort first.

More about the Carestream CS8100 3D scanner at Smile Up

The Carestream is a combination of a panoramic 2D scanner and a 3D cone beam scanner and provides the highest level of accuracy and efficiency. Its versatility sets it apart from the average 3D unit, allowing your dentist to carry out traditional panoramic exams, implant planning (assessing bone density), oral surgeries and orthodontic applications. As the scanner encompasses CAD/CAM abilities, your dentist can perform more treatments from their office, streamlining the treatment process in many cases. Designed to look non-invasive, the scanner’s design puts patients at ease about their treatment. Forget about moulds or the need to bite down onto a piece of plastic – the scanner simply takes a non-invasive scan of your head.

We are open 7 days a week to accommodate our patients’ busy schedules. Our website is translatable into Irish, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Polish and Greek.

If you would like to book an appointment with us, click here to fill out our easy-to-use online booking form. Alternatively, please give us a call and our team will be happy to find an appointment slot to suit you. We’re easy to find and close to the Deptford DLR station and Greenwich and St Johns train stations as well as several bus services.