I am getting some dental implants done. I’ve had tons of x-rays done, but now my dentist wants to do a CT scan. Is this really necessary or is he just padding on the cost of tests? I have one other question while I’m asking things anyway. I have another dentist I can use that doesn’t require CT scans, but he uses a brand of implant called Venturi. I can’t find out much information on that brand. Does that matter?

Casey

Dear Casey,

Dental implant with crown

You’ve asked some important questions. I’ll start with the CT scan. This is actually an important part of the dental implant process. It’s a good sign your dentist is asking for one. Placing dental implants is a 3-Dimensional procedure. While, as you already know, you can find a dentist willing to place them without the scan, it is not for your benefit.

Your upper teeth are quite close to your sinus cavities. It is very easy for you implants to be placed too far and perforate your sinuses. To avoid that, some dentists will use shorter implants so they don’t risk hitting the sinus cavity. Unfortunately, these don’t always hold up as well. If it fails a year later, you won’t know why.

I recommend doing the CT scan. Not only can it prevent the perforation, but it also helps the dentist to know if you have enough bone density in your jaw to sustain the implants. If there’s not, you’ll need some bone grafting to ensure you’re a good candidate.

Do Dental Implant Brands Matter?

Your second question is also important. The quality of the dental implant has a huge impact on the success of your procedure.
I don’t know much about that particular manufacturer, which does have me concerned. Most of the top implant dentists will use one of the following brands because they have good quality control.

• Straumann
• Nobel Biocare
• 3i
• BioHorizons
• Zimmer
• Astrotech

The fact that the second dentist you are considering is not using one of these brands, on top of the fact he doesn’t require a CT scan makes me quite leary of his work.

This blog is brought to you by Hilton Head Dentist Dr. Bonnie Rothwell.