ICAT Versus Regular Radiograph Consult

The ICAT is a dental scan technology that provides your dentist with a 3D image of the bone in your mouth.

“It gives us a view that we just can’t get from traditional x-rays,” says Dr. Denine Rice of Rice Periodontics and ImplantSurgery in Riverside, California.

The scan typically takes less than 20 seconds and is done in an open-air environment. The benefit is it provides so much information that assists in determining the appropriate placement of your dental implants, and at the same time exposes you, the patient, to less radiation than a traditional CT scan.

Your dentist, with this 3D image will be able to better plan and place your dental implant. “We are very proud of our dental implant success rate,” says Dr. Denine Rice, “and the ICAT is part of what makes our success rate possible.”

The ICAT scan is also helpful for diagnosing TMJ problems or to determine the exact location of impacted wisdom teeth. “But it is critical in getting placement right for implants,” says Dr. Rice. “When considering an implant, ask for an ICAT to be done.”