Advanced Dental Imaging
Lougheed Family Dental uses advanced digital technology to capture detailed information about your teeth, gums, and surrounding oral structures. iTero Digital Scanning and CBCT 3D Imaging provide different types of digital information that can support diagnosis, treatment planning, and a range of dental procedures.
iTero Digital Scanning
The iTero Element Scanner creates a detailed 3D digital model of your teeth and gums without the need for traditional putty impressions. The scanning process is comfortable and can be paused when needed, allowing patients to breathe and swallow normally.
Digital scans can be used for treatments including crowns, bridges, dental implants, Invisalign clear aligners, and retainers. The iTero Invisalign Outcome Simulator can also provide a visualization of how your smile may look following Invisalign treatment.
CBCT 3D Imaging
CBCT technology provides detailed 2D and 3D images of dental and surrounding anatomical structures. Having this technology in the office allows the dental team to obtain detailed imaging without requiring patients to visit an outside imaging centre when CBCT imaging is needed.
The system allows the dental team to target the specific area that needs to be examined while following the ALARA principle, keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably achievable.
What It Is & How It Works
The iTero scanner captures the surfaces of the teeth and gums to create a detailed digital 3D model.
CBCT imaging captures detailed images of dental and surrounding anatomical structures, providing information that may not be visible during a standard dental examination.
The two technologies serve different purposes but can both contribute to more informed diagnosis and treatment planning.
Who Needs This Treatment
Advanced dental imaging may be recommended for patients who need:
Invisalign treatment
Crowns or bridges
Dental implant planning
Retainers
Restorative dental treatment
Detailed 3D imaging for diagnosis or treatment planning
Digital impressions as part of their dental treatment
Benefits
Detailed digital images and 3D models
No traditional putty impressions with iTero scanning
Comfortable and efficient digital scanning
Supports detailed and informed treatment planning
Useful across a range of dental treatments
Allows CBCT imaging to be completed in the dental office when required
Provides patients with a clearer view of their dental structures
Supports more informed conversations about treatment options
The Process
For an iTero digital scan, a handheld scanner is moved around the mouth to capture detailed images of the teeth and gums. These images are combined to create a digital 3D model that can be viewed on screen and used for treatment planning.
For CBCT imaging, the imaging system captures the required area and produces detailed 2D and 3D views. The dentist reviews these images to better understand the relevant dental and anatomical structures and incorporate the findings into diagnosis or treatment planning when appropriate.
