DVT – Digital volume tomography

Normal X-ray images can often only provide limited information about complex relationships, the spatial extent of findings and unclear complaints. For this reason, we work with a digital volume topographer (DVT) for three-dimensional images of the facial skull in our practice for oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Allee-Center Hamm. This new technology enables reliable diagnoses in surgery, orthodontics and dentistry, as it allows all sensitive structures of the upper and lower jaw and complex relationships to be displayed. Another advantage of digital volume tomography is the significantly lower radiation exposure compared to conventional methods.

DVT helps with further questions in dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine.

We recommend digital diagnostics if it supports the predictability of the treatment outcome by providing additional information:

• The vertical and lateral bone volume, safety distances and anatomical structures can be precisely assessed.
• The bone quality can be analyzed and the need for augmentation can be reliably predicted.
• Information on the prosthetic insertion direction of the overall construction. Sophisticated esthetics can also be achieved in difficult situations.
• The position of the nerve in the lower jaw and the positions of the paranasal sinuses in the upper jaw can be visualized.

For example, a three-dimensional examination is ideal for the removal of wisdom teeth, which often lie with their roots close to sensitive nerve tracts. Similarly, the orthodontic exposure of teeth that have not emerged into the mouth can be planned safely and gently in adolescents. Three-dimensional images also provide decisive information when assessing changes to the root tip prior to an apicoectomy . The advantages of CBCT diagnostics with its precise imaging are particularly beneficial when planning dental implants . The shape and quality of the bone as well as the exact implant position can be determined in advance of the procedure. Overall, the additional information allows us to perform the procedures more gently, improve the quality of the result and shorten the operation time. The CBCT examination is quick and can be carried out without any problems, even for patients with claustrophobia, with minimal radiation doses.