July 2022 - Atlanta Dental Implants

What Is a CBCT Scan for All-on-4® Dental Implants?

All-on-4 Dental Implants

A three-dimensional (3-D) cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan for All-on-4 dental implants is a technology that takes 3-D images of your oral anatomy. A CBCT scan produces outer and inner views of your orofacial anatomy. The cone-shaped x-ray beam moves around your head to capture the images. One scan gives a periodontist a 3-D view of these areas:

Teeth

Bone

Soft tissue

Nerve pathways

An April 2020 article in The British Dental Journal states that a CBCT scan allows doctors to provide a more accurate, informed diagnosis and treatment plan.

Why Do You Need a CBCT Scan for All-on-4 Implants?

Reasons that you need a CBCT scan for All-on-4 dental implants include:

Measure your jawbone volume – Teeth stimulate the jawbone, so when your teeth are missing, your body resorbs the portion of your jawbone that formerly supported your teeth. Your jawbone and implants must fuse to support an arch of denture teeth. The CBCT scan will help your periodontist identify which areas of your bone can support implants.

Determine whether you need bone grafting – The All-on-4 technique is designed for use when dental implants might otherwise require bone grafting. The procedure minimizes the need for grafting. If you have severe bone loss, your doctor may recommend grafting procedures and other treatment options.

Precisely measure your mouth and oral structure – Dental implants require precise placement for dentures to fit your mouth well. Your periodontist will use the measurements to identify the optimal places for your implants that will not interfere with your sinuses or other structures.

Perform computer–guided surgery – Placing dental implants with computer-guided surgery relies on the digital model of your mouth from a CBCT scan.

Schedule an All-on-4 Dental Implants Consultation

Consulting with a periodontist for All-on-4 dental implants will ensure you get high-quality implant fixtures and safe, predictable results. A periodontist is a specialist with three years of specialized training in gum and bone health after dental school. After reviewing your medical history, completing an oral exam, and taking a CBCT scan, a periodontist will create a customized treatment plan.

Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.

Healthy gum tissue surrounds the necks of your teeth and the bone supporting them. Your gums help keep your teeth firmly in place and seal out bacteria. When your gums recede or are damaged, a periodontist may recommend a gum graft. So, you may wonder what to expect. Are gum grafts painful?

Are Gum Grafts Painful?

Gum graft procedures are not painful. Your periodontist will use local anesthesia to numb your gums and teeth in the grafting areas. Also, if you have dental anxiety, your doctor will offer sedation to relax you and minimize your sensitivity to discomfort. During your initial consultation, your periodontist will explain sedation options and recommend a level that matches your anxiety and procedure. You will enjoy a comfortable, painless process.

How Painful Is Gum Graft Recovery?

After your procedure, you will experience slight bleeding, swelling, and discomfort as your body reacts to surgery and begins to heal. Still, you can maximize your comfort by following your doctor’s instructions in these ways:

Take antibiotics as directed.
Use over-the-counter medication to relieve soreness and discomfort.
Use cold packs to minimize swelling.
Eat soft foods that require minimal chewing for two weeks to avoid disturbing the grafts.
Avoid hot foods because they can irritate the surgical sites.
Avoid brushing or flossing around the grafts.
Use antimicrobial mouthwash as prescribed.

What Can You Expect?

Each patient’s case is unique, so a periodontist will explain what you can expect with your procedure. The type of grafting technique that your doctor recommends depends on these factors:

Degree of gum recession
Areas of recession
Amount of healthy gum tissue around the area of recession

Many patients who need gum grafts benefit from the scalpel-free, suture-free Pinhole Surgical Technique.

Why Choose a Periodontist for Your Gum Graft?

When you choose a periodontist for your gum graft instead of a general dentist or an oral surgeon, you receive treatment from a specialist in gum health. The American Academy of Periodontology states that periodontists are experts with gum procedures because, after dental school, they complete three years of specialized training in these areas:

Periodontal (gums and bone supporting the teeth) health
Gum surgery
Using the appropriate sedation or anesthesia during treatment

You can get comfortable, precise treatment from a periodontist.

Request a Consultation

Schedule a consultation with a periodontist to discuss your oral health concerns and how a gum graft can improve them. The doctor will explain ways their team will ensure you are comfortable, have a painless procedure, and understand how to promote a smooth recovery.

Before-and-after gum graft Pinhole Surgical Technique from Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphry

Gum graft – Pinhole Surgical Technique
Completed by Dr. David Pumphrey of Atlanta

Atlanta periodontist Dr. David Pumphrey sponsors this post. Dr. Pumphrey is a clinical professor of periodontics at the Augusta School of Dentistry. See Dr. Pumphrey’s smile gallery for pictures of gum grafting cases he completed.

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