Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What the doctor needs to know:
- What type of information/images can be produced from a single low radiation scan?
- How is this information presented to me?
- Why do these images look different than conventional x-rays?
- How does the scanning to image process work?
- How long does it take for me to get my images from your lab?
- Can my patients wear a stint/template during the scan?
- Can you locate the mandibular nerve and/or canal?
- Who fills out the insurance form?
- What qualifies your staff to perform these scans?
What the patient needs to know:
- Is anything placed inside the mouth?
- How long does the scan take?
- Do I have to get into any difficult positions?
- How much does it cost?
- Where are you located?
- Will my health and/or dental insurance pay for this?
- Is this procedure painful?
- Can I wear jewelry during the scan?
- Should I go into the x-ray room with my child?
- Are these x-rays safe?
- If x-rays are safe, why does the technician stand behind a barrier?
- Will I need to come back for another visit to your lab?
- Who fills out the insurance form?
- What qualifies your staff to perform these scans?
- I'm claustrophobic, will I be able to take this scan?
What the doctor needs to know
What type of information/images can be produced from a single low radiation scan?
We can produce a panoramic, a lateral and frontal cephalometric, axial slices, TMJ, individual teeth, bite analysis, airway views, 3D models, and exact 1:1 measurements in 3D space just to some. We have the ability to reproduce any conventional x-ray as well as many x-rays that have never before been possible. Please take a look at our sample output page for some examples. Periapicals for decay will be available with the 12 bit upgrade that will be installed in June of 2004
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How is this information presented to me?
You can request the information on CD or print. If you have a computer you will be able to insert our CD and view the images with any standard browser. To request images (conventional, specific or both) please use the prescription form.
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Why do these images look different than conventional x-rays?
These images are not taken in the same fashion as conventional x-rays, which is why they look different. However, if you take a close look at the images produced, you will find that they have much more information and are clearer than most conventional x-rays. They are different, but once you become familiar with the images, you will find them very helpful in diagnosis. We would be happy to set up a meeting with our staff doctor to familiarize you with the reading of the NewTom images. Please take a look at our sample output page so you can see real images produced from our system.
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How does the scanning to image process work?
The NewTom machine takes 360 snap shot x-rays of the patient's head, one at every degree. The computer then takes all 360 images and does a primary reconstruction on the images in order to create an accurate assembly of the images. At this point a trained computer technician performs various cuts and manipulations on the scan in order to produce any view necessary for treatment planning.
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How long does it take for me to get my images from your lab?
The images will be mailed within two to three days after the scan. If a faster turn around time is needed, please inform our staff in advance.
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Can my patients wear a stint/template during the scan?
Yes, many of our patients getting implants wear stints and/or templates. The scan is able to produce images that enable us to make finite measurements for your implant surgery.
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Can you locate the mandibular nerve and/or canal?
Yes, we can. Exact measurements can be taken to pinpoint its location which will result in increased accuracy when placing implants. For an example of this please visit our sample output page.
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Who fills out the insurance form?
The referring doctor is responsible for completing the required information on the insurance form. Please complete the top part of the form if the patient DOES NOT HAVE dental insurance, and the bottom part of the form if the patient DOES HAVE dental insurance. The doctor simply checks the views that have been received. It is the patient's responsibility to submit the insurance form to the insurance company along with a copy of the receipt.
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What qualifies your staff to perform these scans?
Aperio Services, the company that distributes the NewTom 9000, has trained our staff personally. Dr. Caruso received his training on the NewTom from the inventor Dr. Taconi. Other businesses with new installations of the NewTom 9000 often request training from our qualified personnel. All our staff members have the proper radiological licensure as well as computer training on how to manipulate the images produced in order to give the best possible results.
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What the patient needs to know:
(Useful information to print for patients)
Is anything placed inside the mouth?
No, unless the doctor prefers the patient to wear a stint (similar to fake teeth on a mouthpiece or retainer).
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How long does the scan take?
The entire procedure will last approximately 10-15 minutes in the scanning room. Once the technician has placed the patient in the ideal position for the scan, the NewTom 9000 will complete the scan in about 1 minute; however, actual exposure to radiation is only 36 seconds. Including check-in, the patient can anticipate spending no more than 30 minutes at our facility.
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Do I have to get into any difficult positions?
The patient is required to lie flat on his or her back throughout the entire scanning process. Your knees may be up or flat, and we can provide pillows for your legs and/or lower back if necessary.
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How much does it cost?
Please refer to our fee schedule page.
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Where are you located?
Please refer to our location page.
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Will my health and/or dental insurance pay for this?
Every health insurance policy is different and coverage will vary. An insurance form is available for the referring doctor to complete, and the patient should submit the form along with the receipt from our lab. The amount of reimbursement will vary by insurance company. The patient is responsible for full payment prior to the scan.
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Is this procedure painful?
No, the scan is pain free and easy to do. The patient is required to lie flat on his or her back with legs either bent or flat against the bed during the procedure. Pillows are available for your legs or lower back if needed to make you more comfortable. The hardest part is holding perfectly still.
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Can I wear jewelry during the scan?
No jewelry or retainers from the neck up can be worn during the scan. Please remove all non-permanent articles prior to arriving for your appointment (you may wear a stint if requested by the referring doctor).
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Should I go into the x-ray room with my child?
California law states that only those involved in the actual performance of the procedure are allowed in an x-ray room. However, we acknowledge that some of our younger patients may be more comfortable with a parent in the general vicinity. While we prefer that parents wait in the reception area, we will allow you to sit in our "x-ray waiting area" if you or your child feels strongly about it. Under no circumstances will friends or siblings be allowed beyond the reception area.
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Are these x-rays safe?
As with conventional x-rays, there is a certain risk involved with NewTom x-rays. Your doctor has decided that the benefit of having these x-rays far outweighs the risk. While the NewTom x-ray involves very low doses of radiation, there are several things that we do to further reduce the dose: the use adequate collimation and shielding, proper maintenance of equipment, and above all, the correct and appropriate performance of the procedures by competent, licensed personnel. It is our sincere belief that no office or lab can provide you with a safer set of x-rays!
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If x-rays are safe, why does the technician stand behind a barrier?
As we've seen from the recent rise in sun-induced skin cancers, the effects of continuous exposure to low levels of radiation often go unnoticed until it is too late. For the patient, today's x-rays may be the only ones he or she receives for several years. For the operator, your x-rays are only one of a dozen or more taken daily! If unprotected, most operators would receive more radiation in one day than a patient would receive in a lifetime! Consequently, x-ray rooms are set up so that procedures cannot be performed unless the operator is positioned out of the exposure area. This is usually behind a leaded wall. California law requires it and common sense agrees, that a complete radiation safety program will protect patients and operators from any unnecessary exposure to x-rays.
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Will I need to come back for another visit to your lab?
X-rays will be processed and checked before you are dismissed from the lab. This process ensures that all scans have been done correctly and takes only a few minutes. Depending on your stage of treatment, your doctor may request additional films after reviewing the records and evaluating your progress. If your doctor does not discuss what records will normally be required during treatment, be sure to ask him or her for clarification.
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Who fills out the insurance form?
The referring doctor is responsible for completing the required information on the insurance form. Please complete the top part of the form if the patient DOES NOT HAVE dental insurance, and the bottom part of the form if the patient DOES HAVE dental insurance. The doctor simply checks the views that have been received. It is the patient's responsibility to submit the insurance form to the insurance company along with a copy of the receipt.
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What qualifies your staff to perform these scans?
Aperio, the company that manufactures the NewTom 9000, has trained our staff personally. Other businesses with new installations of the NewTom 9000 often request training from our qualified personnel. All our staff members have the proper radiological licensure as well as computer training on how to manipulate the images produced in order to give the best possible results.
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I'm claustrophobic, will I be able to take this scan?
Unlike other scanners of this caliber, there are no parts that you see moving around your body. You simply lay down on a table and are gently slid into an opening. You only go in up to, at most, your shoulder, and nothing closes in around you. Claustrophobic patients in the past have told us, "Hey, that was really easy. I thought it was going to be much worse!" I'm sure our trained staff will be able to discuss this with you and help you feel comfortable.
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