Dental Implant

Condition

What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root placed into your jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. The dental implant process can be performed for a single tooth or multiple teeth.

Screening

What type of screening is available for dental implant planning?
Traditional panoramic x-rays provide only a limited two-dimensional view. While they can show the height and contour of the bony ridge, they give no indication of the bone width and density and may distort the placement of the alveolar nerve.

State-of-the-art three-dimensional computerized tomography (CT) dental imaging takes the guesswork out of implants. This quick and safe diagnostic imaging exam produces life-like spatial views of the mouth that let the surgeon determine pre-surgically if a patient is an implant candidate. With 3D imaging, a surgeon can proceed with confidence, knowing the amount of bone a patient has, the distance to the alveolar nerve and the exact angles to situate the implant.

When should I consider CT Dental Imaging?
CT Dental Imaging is used when patients are being fitted for implants. The more information a surgeon has about the anatomy of the patient's mouth before a dental implant, the better the outcome. Important measurements for the surgeon to know include the width and density of the bony ridge in order to assess implant feasibility and the exact placement of the alveolar nerve in order to prevent painful nerve damage. CT Dental Imaging can also help visualize nerve location prior to wisdom tooth extraction.

What should I expect BEFORE CT Dental Imaging?
CT Dental Imaging is not covered by insurance therefore payment is expected at the time of the study. All payment options are accepted, except for American Express and Discover cards. If your dentist has supplied you with an appliance to wear during the scan please make sure to bring the appliance with you and be comfortable with how it is to be positioned during the study.

What should I expect DURING CT Dental Imaging?
With a CT dental scan, there is no contrast dye involved and the entire exam takes about 15 minutes.

What should I expect AFTER CT Dental Imaging?
After the exam, our 3D imaging staff produces three-dimensional images, which provide the surgeon with valuable data crucial to the success of the implant.

You have no restrictions after having a CT scan and can go about your normal activities.

Our Service

The 3D Imaging Service takes data from cross-sectional computerized tomography (CT) studies and produces life-like spatial views of body systems. These images allow physicians to visualize a patient's anatomy more comprehensively and realistically. The Service has its own full-time, highly experienced staff which is committed to staying current with both computer and medical technology in order to bring patients the most sophisticated clinical imaging service available.

Where is CT Dental Imaging performed?

Mass General Imaging - Chelsea
80 Everett Avenue
Chelsea, MA 02150

Mass General West Imaging - Waltham
40 Second Avenue, Suite 120
Waltham, MA 02451

How to schedule CT Dental Imaging
A referral from a physician is necessary to make an appointment.

Physicians may schedule patients using our online scheduling and report access program - Radiology Order Entry (ROE).

Patients who already have a physician's referral may also call the location directly:

Mass General Imaging - Chelsea	617-887-3500
Mass General West Imaging - Waltham	800-697-8296

Additional Information and Resources

MGH Collaborative Care

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Contact Us

Mass General West Imaging
- Waltham
40 Second Avenue
Suite 120
Waltham, MA 02451
Phone: 800-697-8296

Mass General Imaging
- Chelsea
80 Everett Avenue
Chelsea, MA 02150
Phone: 617-887-3500
Fax: 617-887-3580

Brochure - Patient Guide
to CT Dental Imaging for Implant Planning