Choosing dental implants is a significant investment in your oral health, and you naturally want the best possible outcome. Advanced diagnostic imaging plays a critical role in implant planning, yet traditional two-dimensional X-rays may not provide the complete picture your dental team needs. When precision matters most, the imaging technology used during the planning phase can affect how smoothly your treatment proceeds and how well your final restoration functions.
At Sopris Smiles in Cherry Hills, Colorado, Dr. Golnaz Samimifar and her team utilize advanced dental technology to ensure every aspect of your implant treatment is planned with exceptional accuracy. By combining CBCT imaging with digital scanning technology, the practice creates a comprehensive roadmap for your implant placement, addressing potential challenges before they arise.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) creates three-dimensional images of your jaw, teeth, and surrounding structures, offering a level of detail that conventional radiography cannot match. While panoramic X-rays provide a flat image of your mouth, CBCT captures volumetric data from multiple angles and reconstructs a complete 3D model of your oral anatomy. This technology enables dental professionals to measure bone height and width precisely, identify the exact location of nerves and sinuses, assess bone density throughout the jaw, and detect anatomical variations that might affect implant placement.
The difference in diagnostic capability becomes particularly important when planning dental implants, as even slight variations in placement can affect long-term outcomes. Research published by the National Institutes of Health demonstrates significant differences in treatment prediction when using CBCT as an adjunct to traditional radiography. The three-dimensional visualization allows practitioners to identify potential complications before surgery begins, rather than discovering them mid-procedure.
Dental implant placement requires millimeter-level precision. The implant must be positioned at the correct depth, angle, and location to achieve optimal integration with your jawbone and properly support your final restoration. When imaging doesn’t provide complete information about bone structure or anatomical landmarks, unexpected challenges can arise during surgery.
CBCT imaging serves multiple purposes throughout your implant journey. During the initial consultation, detailed 3D images help determine whether you have sufficient bone volume for implants or whether preliminary procedures might be needed. The scans reveal the exact trajectory your implant should follow to avoid vital structures like nerves and blood vessels. Most importantly, this technology allows the team to plan your final tooth position before the implant is placed, ensuring your restoration functions and looks natural.
This comprehensive planning approach ensures the oral surgeon who places your implant receives precise positioning specifications, reducing the likelihood of complications and ensuring the implant is optimally positioned for the final restoration. For complex or specific cases, Sopris Smiles collaborates with the oral surgeon to create personalized surgical guides from CBCT and digital scans when necessary, translating the virtual plan into physical reality with remarkable accuracy.
Concerns about radiation exposure and imaging costs are valid considerations when evaluating diagnostic procedures. CBCT machines designed specifically for dental use deliver significantly lower radiation doses than medical CT scanners while still providing the detailed information needed for implant planning. The focused field of view means only the area of clinical interest receives radiation exposure, minimizing unnecessary exposure to other tissues.
While CBCT imaging incurs an additional cost compared to traditional X-rays, this investment in diagnostic precision can reduce overall treatment costs by preventing complications that require corrective procedures. When implants are placed without adequate three-dimensional imaging, issues such as nerve damage, sinus perforation, or improper positioning may necessitate additional surgeries or even implant removal and replacement.
Dr. Golnaz Samimifar combines advanced technology with personalized care to deliver implant solutions tailored to your unique anatomy and aesthetic goals. Our practice’s commitment to comprehensive diagnostic imaging and collaboration with skilled oral surgeons, supported by CBCT and CEREC digital scanning, reflects a dedication to achieving optimal outcomes for every patient. This attention to detail and precision planning distinguishes the approach at Sopris Smiles from conventional implant dentistry.
Whether you’re considering replacing a single tooth or multiple teeth, the practice’s comprehensive diagnostic capabilities provide the foundation for successful, long-lasting results. Contact the office today to schedule a consultation and discover how advanced imaging technology can support your journey to a restored smile.
