3D Imaging

First Office-Based Intra-Operative CT Scanner for Dental Implants in the USA

We are excited to offer to our patients the most advanced oral x-ray technology in the world, conveniently available right within our office. While 3D imaging CT scanners are starting to be used for dental implant planning, they are usually only available before or after the procedure. An innovative surgeon, Dr Matouk devised a new protocol to improve surgical precision by obtaining CT scans whenever needed, especially during surgical procedures. This allows to improve computer planned and guided implant surgery, therefore providing less invasive and more accurate placement of cosmetic dental implants.

Dr Matouk, has been working on precision surgical navigation for years. His efforts just culminated in the development of computer aided implantation using intra-operative CTs. This new technology is currently limited to a few neurosurgical academic centers and has not been applied to any dental surgery offices in the USA, until now. It utilizes a Cone Beam CT (CBCT), an alternative to conventional CT, which provides three dimensional radiographic imaging, on site, while reducing radiation 90% compared to hospital based computer-assisted tomography (CT).

High-end dental implant centers are starting to offer CBCT to improve planning of dental implant cases. However, surgery is a fluid process and sometimes plans have to be modified, at that point, the surgeon is working “blindly”. The final result can only be evaluated after the case is finished. However, one to two millimeters can mean the difference between success and failure in cosmetic dental implant surgery. It is for these complex situations that Dr Matouk saw the need for intra-operative CBCT. He researched the different CBCT systems available and chose the one with the most resolution and field of vision, and then proceeded to modify it to allow for intra-operative use. As soon as he used it, he realized the new doors that this technology opens. And while surgical procedures have not changed, now the accuracy of the final result can be confirmed prior to the end of the case. And when modifications need to be made, that can be done during the same surgical procedure, rather than having the patient return for a second round of scans followed by another surgery.