You may have heard about the Netflix documentary, Root Cause. The documentary examines the link between root canal infections and a range of serious systemic conditions ranging from heart attacks to various forms of cancer, and even anxiety and depression.
The claims presented in Root Cause are quite contentious. So, if you have watched the series, or heard about it from family or friends, and are concerned about your health following a root canal, rest assured that Lifetime Holistic Dental has always viewed oral health issues through the prism of overall health. We pride ourselves on our holistic approach to dentistry.
That’s why we’ve invested in a Cone Beam CT X-Ray machine.
The ability to detect the unseen and find problems before they spread or worsen (like infected root canals) has always been central to our philosophy. Cures are never as effective as prevention. Instead of waiting for serious symptoms to appear, we find them when they are minor and use techniques that are as non-invasive as possible to remedy the problem.
Cone Beam CT scans allow us to do just this. We’ve always been ahead of the curve when it comes to a more comprehensive approach to dentistry, and this investment is further proof.
What Is a Cone Beam CT Scan?
A Cone Beam CT is a revolutionary form of dental x-ray. It is revolutionary because it can produce 3D, high-resolution images of the teeth, jaw and surrounding anatomy. It does all of this with low radiation levels. This last point was essential for us to invest because we believe dentistry should be as natural as possible which means we choose technologies that are as biocompatible as possible.
The process is incredibly simple. You just have to stand still or be seated while the machine performs a single rotation of your head. The entire thing takes 10-15 seconds, and our specialised software turns this information into a 3D image. We can then view your teeth and facial bones on any plane, allowing us to make quick and accurate diagnoses that make treatment not just easier but more effective.
What does all this have to do with Root Cause? Well, if you were concerned with anything you heard, you’ll be pleased to know that our x-ray technology is the best way to pick up on any infections and deal with them promptly.
The Advantages of Cone Beam CT
Detailed Imagery
2D images offer limited information when it comes to finding root canal problems. The increased clarity means we can pick up on even the smallest issues and it takes less than a minute. We can inspect your root canals on a 3D scale, which makes us the ideal clinic for your dental treatment.
Perfect For Follow-Up
The 3D images are perfect for following up on your root canal treatment. We can narrow in on precise roots and check for their health. We can then keep these images on file for comparative purposes and ensure your roots don’t come under any further attack and lead to any other health conditions.
Reduced Radiation
The technology works by emitting a cone-shaped x-ray beam. This beam can capture hundreds of images in just a couple of seconds. Conventional scanners emit a fan-shaped x-ray beam which exposes patients to up to ten times more radiation. So, our machine is capable of producing better images with less radiation, and that’s the sign of sound technology.
Digital Storage
As a digital form of x-ray, the images are sent and stored on a computer. That means we can view it immediately and safely store it for future reference. There’s no need for you to keep a copy and there’s no chance of it being lost or damaged in filing. It can also be formatted and reformatted so we can focus on different areas. It can even be duplicated and be sent to other health professionals if need be.
This really is cutting edge technology, and something we are proud of. If you have viewed the Root Cause series and have any questions about the information, feel free to give our team a call and book a consultation visit with Dr Chris Darby. We’ll be happy to talk you through any concerns.
The best thing you can do for your oral and overall health is visit Lifetime Holistic Dental on a regular basis. In fact, you should be visiting the dentist at least twice a year. This gives us the best chance of monitoring the health of your root canals as well as the general health of your mouth.