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.”

Young Patients with Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is the term given to the infection in the tissue surrounding the teeth. While the vast majority of adults have some form – it is generally estimated that more than 90% of adults have periodontal disease – it is generally seen in patients more frequently when they are 30 years old or older.  That being said, young people can also be affected by certain rare forms of the disease.

“In general bone loss in young people is uncommon, but the risk seems to increase between the ages of 12 and 17,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside, California Periodontal and Implant surgery center. “Too often we see young people with signs of disease and early bone loss. This is why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has recommended that young people beginning at age 12 should have regular periodontal evaluations to determine if there are any early signs of bone loss.”

Aggressive periodontal disease in young people means that bone loss occurs that much earlier and can result in tooth loss also at an earlier age.

“Most often the loss of attachment is seen in the molar areas first,” Dr. Rice adds.  “This means that as a parent, you should be asking your pediatric dentist or general dentist to evaluate your child for signs of the disease and certainly they should be evaluated before any orthodontic treatment begins.”

To help keep your child’s mouth healthy and happy, remember regular visits to the dentist are a must.