DVT

Digital Volume Tomography (DVT) also called Cone Beam Volume Tomography (CBVT)

 

Three dimensional visualization from bony structures of the facial skull like here the upper jaw and the maxillary sinuses

Digital volume tomography (DVT) is a low-radiation X-ray diagnostics procedure to represent the head and neck area in 3D. Not unlike a traditional overview scan of the jaw, a C-shaped arc performs a single move across the head in the space of a few seconds and registers all 3D and 2D information. Many questions are much more accurately answered by digital volume tomography than conventional computer tomography (CT), especially in dental diagnostics:

  • markedly fewer metal artifacts (transitions) of existing crowns and bridges
  • higher resolution
  • noticeably lower radiation exposure

The total radiation exposure of DVT is roughly the same as 5 to 10 days of general environmental radiation or a long-haul flight

Your dentist will normally refer you to us to produce a volume tomography, for instance prior to an insertion of dental implants, to clarify bone availability, to determine the course of the mandibular nerve, in the case of complicated wisdom tooth extractions, jaw cysts and fractures et al.

We will provide them with a CD containing the data of the scan and a report of our findings.

You won’t have to prepare anything specifically for the the DVT. Earrings, necklaces, piercings and glasses will have to be taken off before the scan. Dentures are normally also taken off. However, occasionally these may be needed for the scan; you should therefore bring them along with you.

If the planned treatment is a standard benefit pursuant to art. 25 KVG (Swiss Federal law on health insurance) or KLV art. 17-19 (Covering of dental treatment costs), the costs may be covered by your health insurance. Please talk to us, we can can give you detailed advice in advance.