Do you have enough bone for dental implants?

Routine dental x-rays show large amounts of detail, but in only two dimensions. From these views it is generally possible to judge the height of bone available for implant placement, however, more advanced imaging techniques are sometimes needed to determine the equally important bone width, which can otherwise only be estimated from clinical examination.

Dental CT scans - There are now a number of advanced x-ray techniques which allow your jaw bone to be looked at in all three-dimensions. The most accurate and widely available is known as the CT (computed tomography) scan. Images obtained by CT scanning will normally be able to show all of the information required about your bone, including quantity and quality, but most importantly the presence of anatomical structures that must be avoided.

Next: What anatomical structures must be avoided during the placement of dental implants?