At Mint Mini Dental Implants, we understand that feeling cared for is as important as receiving the highest quality treatment. Our team blends compassionate, personalized care with the latest in dental technology and tooth replacement. We take the time to listen to you—really listen—because understanding your concerns is the first step to creating a treatment plan that’s right for you. Dr. John Coolican is dedicated to staying at the forefront of dental advancements, and it shows in everything we do. We use advanced tools like our CBCT scan and intraoral scanner to tailor every detail of your care, ensuring that your treatment is precise and comfortable. Here, you don’t have to choose between feeling relaxed and receiving exceptional treatment—you have both. At Mint Mini Dental Implants, we’re here to ensure your journey to better oral health is always a positive one.
What Is a CBCT San?
At Mint Mini Dental Implants, we use an advanced scanner called a CBCT, which stands for Cone Beam Computed Tomography. This specialized type of X-ray provides a detailed, 3D view of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways, and bone, all in a single scan. The CBCT scanner gently rotates around your head, taking multiple images from different angles. It uses a cone-shaped X-ray beam to gather data, which is combined to create a clear, three-dimensional image.
Dr. Coolican uses the CBCT scan to spot tooth decay, bone loss, unusual growths, facial fractures, and infections. It is especially helpful for planning treatments like dental implant placement. Importantly, the CBCT scan uses less radiation than traditional CT scans while still providing incredibly detailed images.
Intraoral Scanners: Improving Your Dental Care
In addition to using CBCT scans, we also utilize an intraoral scanner to enhance your diagnostic and treatment experience. This handheld device allows us to create highly accurate 3D digital impressions of your oral cavity. Traditional impression materials can be uncomfortable and may trigger a gag reflex. Instead, Dr. Coolican quickly and comfortably scans your mouth using this advanced technology.
The intraoral scanner completes a full arch scan in under a minute, making the process quick and comfortable. We can instantly send these digital files to dental labs, where skilled technicians craft tooth replacements like crowns, bridges, or dentures. By streamlining the workflow, we can advance your treatment more efficiently.
Using a CBCT and Intraoral Scan for Your Tooth Replacement
Dr. Coolican will use the CBCT and intraoral scans to guide the process and ensure the best possible outcome for your dental implant(s). The CBCT scan provides a precise view of the implant area. With this view, he can thoroughly assess the bone quality and quantity, which are crucial for successful placement. Dr. Coolican can also identify key anatomical features, such as the mandibular canal and maxillary sinus.
Knowing the exact location of the mandibular canal helps him avoid the nerve, preventing complications like numbness or pain. Similarly, by identifying the maxillary sinus, he can place the implant safely, reducing the risk of sinus problems.
The CBCT scan also provides valuable information about your bone density, helping Dr. Coolican determine the optimal placement of the implant. Following your procedure, this technology allows him to make sure that the implant has bonded properly with the bone for long-term stability and success.
The intraoral scanner plays a crucial role in fabricating a restoration that perfectly fits your mouth. Dr. Coolican captures 3D images of your mouth to create an exact model of your teeth and gums. Lab technicians then carefully fabricate your restoration using these digital impressions. Because digital impressions tend to be more accurate than physical impressions, labs tend to prefer them. Ultimately, these advanced technologies improve treatment planning and outcomes, ensuring the best possible patient experience.
Your Tooth Replacement Options at Mint Mini Dental Implants
After Dr. Coolican plans your treatment using these advanced technologies, the next step in the process is to place the mini dental implants. These implants are different from traditional ones, as they’re less than 3 millimeters in diameter and require less jawbone for placement. As a result, they are a great option for patients who have experienced bone loss and might not be eligible for traditional implants without bone grafting.
Mini implants consist of a small, one-piece titanium post with a ball-shaped end above the gums. Because of their slim size, Dr. Coolican can place them using a minimally invasive technique. Instead of making large incisions, he creates a tiny hole in the gums. This approach reduces bleeding and makes the process quicker and more efficient.
After Dr. Coolican places the implant, he can use the CBCT scan again at a later appointment to evaluate how well the implant has integrated with your bone. This follow-up imaging helps us monitor your healing process and ensure everything progresses as planned.
Schedule Your CBCT Scan Today
At Mint Mini Dental Implants, we blend compassionate care with cutting-edge technology to ensure your tooth replacement journey is smooth and successful. We offer free consultations that include a comprehensive CBCT scan, so you can feel confident knowing you’re in expert hands from the very beginning. If you’re ready to discover how our advanced dental technology and techniques can transform your smile, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Coolican today!
Be sure to like our Facebook page to explore the advanced dental technologies we offer to transform your smile.