Cephalometric imaging is a technique that produces a radiograph with full view of the mandible and inner structures, which better allows dentists and orthodontists to diagnose and make treatment plans for patients.
One of the biggest benefits of imaging is the ability to better understand and see issues such as disease and decay, so you can provide more accurate treatment. As you explain to your patients, these images are necessary because missing the correct cause of pain could lead to serious mistakes in treatment planning.
In our company's experience, dentists and orthodontists who need a comprehensive view of patients' facial structures use cephalometrics. While many x-ray techniques are helpful in dentistry, cephalometrics gives dental practitioners views of the facial bony structures and soft tissues and measurements for the best possible analysis.
The process of analyzing a cephalometric x-ray relies on understanding how structures relate to one another as well as how they relate to known population norms. Because these images offer a complete view, they are considered one of the most helpful treatment and diagnostic tools.
Some patients may worry about the risk of radiation, but the radiation dosage is typically so small that it does not cause damage or put the patient at risk.
How is a cephalometric radiograph different?
Unlike bitewing radiographs, which are commonly used by dentists and orthodontists to view the crowns and necks of teeth roots, cephalometric radiographs are extraoral x-rays, or a type of x-ray that shows the most complete view of the patient's facial profile.
There are many types of extraoral scans besides a cephalometric x-ray, such as panoramic x-rays or conebeam computed tomography (CBCT). All of these are useful for understanding the full picture, such as how the teeth and jaws relate to one another and how the bone measurements impact the facial structure. They also give practitioners information about growth and development and help them identify impacted teeth.
Not only does a cephalometric radiograph give a comprehensive view of a patient's facial structure, it also offers a better understanding of how structures relate to population norms. In other words, rather than taking an isolated view of one part of the body, cephalometrics allows doctors to see the full story, as well as compare measurements to those of other patients who should have similar facial structures.
In this way, cephalometrics can help a doctor identify whether a deviation in the patient's facial structure is normal or abnormal. Cephalometrics x-rays are also useful during many phases of treatment. They can be used to track a patient's progress, see the effectiveness of treatment, or see how growth and development have changed over time.
Daniel Abraham is president of cephX. For more information, find cephX on Google+.
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