A new radiology device, the 3-D Accuitomo Cone Beam Micro CT imaging system, provides images with nearly 10 times the resolution of regular CT machines. This system can achieve a complete scan of the target area in less time and with up to 100x less radiation dose to the patient, compared to regular CT machines. High resolution CT images of the jaws can be used to study implants, abscesses, impacted teeth, and other jaw disorders. Specialized computer software allows dentists to view images of jaw structures in several layers from 3 different directions simultaneously. Bone, teeth, and nerves can be viewed from inside, section by section. Using 3-D images, radiologists can create life-size wax models to view tumors in the jaws, and can precisely measure how much tissue needs to be removed from the patient’s mouth and/or replaced during surgery. It is expected that a wide variety of applications of this new technology will be developed not only for dentistry, but for medicine, as well. Only 3 dental schools in the nation have this new technology: University of the Pacific, University of Southern California, and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
(Source: The Mission, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, August 2004)
