Do I Need a CT Scan to Get a Dental Implant?

Do I need a CT scan to replace a front left missing tooth with a dental implant? I’m trying to avoid unnecessary xrays. Also, I had three consultations, and one dentist uses Southern Venturi dental implants, which I have not found on the list of best dental implants. I’m inclined to remove the dentist from my list of providers. Are Southern Venturi implants safe? – Thank you. Kasen

Kasen,

We understand your desire to minimize radiation exposure.

Do You Need a CT Scan to Get a Dental Implant?

A CT scan provides invaluable three-dimensional information about bone density and structure, essential for accurate implant positioning. Many dentists skip CT scans for implant placement and use traditional X-rays. However, placing an implant without a CT scan, especially in the front tooth area where the nasal sinus is close, can lead to complications such as implant penetration or the need for shorter, less stable implants.

Which Dental Implant Brands Should You Choose?

When selecting an implant brand, the focus should be on quality control and manufacturing precision. While finding replacement parts or adjusting is a concern, the primary goal is to prevent implant failure.

We recommend avoiding lesser-known brands like Southern Venturi. Leading implant manufacturers known for their high-quality products include Straumann, Nobel Biocare, 3i, BioHorizons, Zimmer, and Astrotech. Some experts have reservations about Bicon implants.

It is crucial to choose an implant dentist who prioritizes implant quality and is knowledgeable about the options. A cheaper implant brand can compromise the long-term success of the procedure.

Look for an implant dentist with credentials (fellowship, diplomate status, or accreditation) from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists or the American Board of Oral Implantology.

Dr. Thaddeus Michalski, a Rocky Hill, Connecticut dentist and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, sponsors this post. Find out what Dr. Michalski does to provide some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.

 

How Will I Know If Direct Pulp Capping Worked for My Tooth?

Last month, my dentist performed a direct pulp capping on my top left second molar. After removing decay from the tooth, my dentist said the pulp capping would resolve the exposed tooth pulp. She used a cotton pellet to control minimal bleeding. However, my dentist left some decay that she said was too close to the pulp to remove. She did the pulp capping with calcium hydroxide and a glass ionomer. I’m getting this info from my dental records. The dentist placed an amalgam filling afterward. I don’t have any pain, but I think the tooth feels a little weird. How will I know whether the treatment was successful and I won’t need a root canal? Are there symptoms I should watch for? Thanks. Johanna from GA

Johanna,

A direct pulp cap can work well, and problems usually present immediately. However, we are concerned about your dentist’s technique.

What Happens During a Direct Pulp Capping?

The following steps for direct pulp capping on exposed tooth pulp increase the procedure’s success rate and help prevent the need for root canal treatment.

• Inspect the tooth pulp to ensure it is healthy. Your dentist correctly used a cotton pellet to control bleeding. Easily controlled bleeding signals a healthy pulp that can benefit from a cap. Calcium hydroxide and glass ionomer cement are good materials for the base. However, bonding a composite filling rather than placing an amalgam filling is the best way to seal the tooth and keep bacteria out.
• Remove all decay. Without removing all decay, bacteria in the tooth remain. It can slowly grow, cause an infection, and create the need for root canal treatment.

After a year or two, ask your dentist to x-ray the tooth. If the tooth is healthy, the dentist can remove the decay and replace the filling. The dentist may opt for a crown if removing decay significantly decreases tooth structure. A tooth that responds well to the procedure will develop a protective dentin layer beneath the filling.

We are glad that you don’t have any symptoms from the procedure. If your tooth becomes uncomfortable, see your dentist or ask for a referral to an endodontist (root canal specialist).

Rocky Hill, Connecticut, dentist Dr. Thaddeus Michalski sponsors this post. Read how he provides some of the best dental care in Rocky Hill.