cone beam CE

cone beam1_2012 Fig. 1_Plan implants and their abutments and restorations simultaneously (i-CAT® Precise scan in Tx STUDIO™ ). (Photos/Provided by Imaging Sciences) I industry _ Imaging Sciences Cone beam’s role in the rising demand for implants According to information released in February 2011 by the Millennium Research Group (MRG), a medical technology market intelligence company, dental implants are going to be among the “stand- outs” in terms of growth over the next five years. “The esthetic and dental areas have consistently shown greater than average growth,” says April Chan, publications manager at MRG, who added that dental implants are expected to show a growth of nine percent. The American Association of Oral and Maxillofa- cial Surgeons (AAOMS) notes that a successful im- plantexperiencetakescooperationandcoordination between all parties involved — including the patient, the restorative dentist and the oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Close communication between all members of theimplantteamresultsinbetterunderstandingand implementation of the proper protocols during the process, and the precise details for accurate implant diagnosis and treatment planning can be gained through cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). High-resolution, volumetric images and measure- menttoolsprovidedby3-Dviewsfacilitatethorough analysis of bone structure and tooth orientation, exactbuccolingualdimensions,concavitiesandbone height. Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. Steven Gut- tenberg, noted, “As an early adopter of CBCT, I have found it is indispensable for me as a surgeon to use this treatment tool for my patients. I cannot im- agine placing an implant without the use of CBCT, especially when the case involves the extraction of difficult teeth that are close to the sinus, the inferior alveolarormentalnerve;thei-CATscanisinvaluable in terms of location to those anatomic entities.” Guttenberg said that the 3-D scans give him the details that are needed to treat the patient more ef- ficiently: “When it comes to the diagnosis and treat- ment of maxillofacial trauma, whether a fractured tooth,fracturedmaxillaormandible,zygomaornose, the CBCT offers a tremendous amount of informa- tion so that I can do a better job for my patients.” He added that technologies such as CAD/CAM and guidedsurgerytechniquesallowforevenmoreeffec- tive treatment, and having a 3-D system with those 46 I Fig. 1