CBCT is an excellent way to diagnose many problems associated with the TMJ. Because the system is small compared to CT machines in hospitals, it can easily fit into a dental office. The other benefit is that it can provide detail images of the boney structures with a hundredth of the radiation associated with hospital CT machines. In the past panoramic x-rays were considered diagnostic for diagnosing TMJ damage. This really has never been the case, because the panoramic is a 2-dimensional image and often the view of the entire TMJ is blocked by the Zygomatic Process (cheek bone). The CBCT is a 3-dimensional image that provides detail from multiple angles. It also allows the dentist to splice images in order to provide accurate measurements of the size of the joints as well as to determine growth of the mandible (jaw bone).
The TMJ Treatment Atlanta office is equipped with a Planmeca 3-D CBCT machine. This CBCT is top of the line and allows them to capture the best images at the lowest radiation possible.
