Nimisha Nariapara examines how to improve patient experiences during CBCT scans.
There are many factors to consider when taking dental CBCT scans. For optimal results, you should do all that you can to capture high quality images quickly, and without the need for re-takes. This means ensuring minimal patient movement, optimal field of view (FOV), and utilising as low a dosage of radiation as possible. When accurate scans are achieved, you can expect a positive impact on patient satisfaction. Speed and efficiency during appointments, for example, will allow more time to discuss your patients’ oral health and treatment plan with them.
Patient satisfaction
When we consider the length of dental appointments, it is also important to appreciate the knock-on effect this may have on waiting times. Long waiting times can have a negative impact on the overall experience. And, patient satisfaction has been shown to determine their co-operation; including willingness to return for follow-up visits, motivation to follow treatment options, and it can affect the relationship between the patient and the dentist. In addition, lower patient satisfaction may make it less likely that they will recommend your dental practice to others.
This is why creating an environment in which patients feel they are being properly cared for is essential. An interaction or appointment in which they are told an examination needs to be repeated, or they have experienced an extensive waiting time, may make the individual lose faith in the dental practice. Any opportunity you have to make a patients’ appointment run as smoothly as possible will be greatly appreciated, and will reflect well on your practice.
Patient movement
The quicker the scan, the better. Patient movement during CBCT scans is known to impact scan results, leading to image artifacts such as black and white stripes or double contours which may cause an inaccurate diagnosis, or the need for re-takes. Even small, barely noticeable movements can affect image quality – contributing to artifacts and distortions. Doing all you can to minimise the risk of re-takes is essential for a positive patient experience.
There are a number of options that can be implemented to improve patient stillness during CBCT scans. For example, chin rests, bite pieces, and head restraints could be considered as options for better patient stability. However, hardware solutions such as these can’t restrict the individuals’ movements entirely. So, a great way to further minimise the risk of movement and re-takes is by keeping CBCT scans as quick as possible – the faster the scan, the less time your patient will need to remain still.
Field of view (FOV)
Another reason that re-takes may be necessary is due to FOV adjustments. If possible, it is preferable to use a machine which allows you to customise the FOV, increasing the likelihood of more accurate scans the first time. A more appropriate FOV will also limit radiation exposure by focussing only on a particular region of interest. Larger FOVs will result in higher doses overall. The opposite is true for smaller FOVs, which is why these are recommended when imaging a small area or a single tooth.
Efficient equipment
It is important to use the most efficient equipment you can when providing patients with information about their health. Clearer CBCT imaging will mean more reliable scans leading to less room for misinterpretation or debate. This is very important when creating a treatment plan for your patients. It is also preferable that you do all that you can to use a lower dosage of radiation, whether you opt for small FOVs or use a machine designed to deliver a lower dose. This will reduce the risk to yourself, and your patient, while still producing high-quality images in a short timeframe.
The CS 8200 3D Neo Edition from Carestream Dental is a great option for optimising speed in your practice, as it is able to perform high-quality panoramic images quickly reducing the dose by up to 50 per cent. It also gives you the option to choose from nine fields of view allowing you to take images of the full arch in just one scan, making it easily adaptable to all of your clinical needs.
When considering your options for preparing a CBCT scan, it is important to take into account FOV, radiation dosage, and the impact of patient movement. All of these factors can affect the final images and, in turn, increase the need for re-takes. Patient satisfaction is always a priority in any dental practice, so minimising the risk of mistakes and re-takes is vital for a positive patient experience.
For more information visit www.carestreamdental.co.uk