Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does a Facial Imaging CT Scan differ from conventional X-rays?
Routine dental x-rays are two-dimensional. They only show the location of the teeth and the height of the bone. These x-rays are often distorted, and they cannot depict the thickness of the jawbone. A Facial Imaging CT scan, on the other hand, is distortion free. It illustrates the actual make-up of the bone and provides three-dimensional and cross-sectional views of the jaw. The life-sized images allow the doctor to accurately measure the amount of bone that is available for implants.
How do I download my processed CT scan images?
If you have an Internet connection you can download your patient's scan data directly from our secure, HIPAA compliant website. An individual user name and password will be provided to you prior to your first CT scan download. A high speed broadband connection is advised.
Do I need Nobel Procera® software or SimPlant® to use Facial Imaging's service?
No. All Facial Imaging's scan sites provide high quality CT Scans. You may receive this information in a number of formats (ie: CD, paper or broadband download). Nobel Procera Planner software and SimPlant® are each a proprietary software that allows easier viewing and 3-D manipulation of the CT information.
Will insurance pay for a Facial Imaging CT scan?
It is rare that a CT scan for dental implant treatment is covered by insurance, medical or dental. The special processing that Facial Imaging does to the CT scan, enhancing its use by the doctor, is not covered by any insurance. Facial Imaging is not registered with any insurance companies due to the nature of the product we provide. If a patient wants to submit their invoice for their CT scan to their insurance company, the proper insurance coding is listed on the invoice. If covered to any extent, reimbursement will be made directly to the patient. Payment for the Facial Imaging scan must be made in full by the patient at the time of the scan.
What is Nobel Biocare's Procera Planner Software?
NobelBiocare® has introduced a proprietary 3-D planning software that is designed for use across the full line of NobelBiocare® implants. It can be used for edentulous and partially edentulous cases. After a case is treatment planned using the software, the doctor can order a NobelGuide® to surgically place the implants according to the 3-D plan.
What is a measurement read?
If requested, vertical and horizontal measurements are provided for a planned implant site, for example, in the area of the mandibular molars, when there is concern about the proximity of the planned implant site to the mandibular canal. An additional fee will be charged.
What is NobelGuide?®
After a case is treatment planned with the Procera Planner Software, the plan is sent to NobelBiocare® for fabrication of a surgical stent, a NobelGuide®. This appliance is used at the time of implant placement to place the implant(s) in the exact position (location, depth and angulation) that was treatment planned by the doctor.
Why are 2 scans required to plan for a NobelGuide®?
NobelBiocare®'s Procera Planner Software requires a patient to have a CT Scan with a scan prosthesis in their mouth and a separate CT Scan of the scan prosthesis outside the mouth. The software picks up radiographic markers (points of gutta percha) in the scan appliance and combines the information from the 2 scans into one computer file that can be used by the doctor for treatment planning the case.
How do I fabricate a scan prosthesis for Nobel Biocare's NobelGuide®?
What is Nobel Biocare's "Teeth in an Hour"?
Nobel Biocare® has created a proprietary system that allows immediate loading of a full dental arch with a final restoration. This treatment requires a very specific protocol for taking separate CT scans of the patient and their planned prosthesis. An additional fee will be charged.
What is my SimPlant® Version?
SimPlant®'s newest version is 10.0, but versions 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 8.3 and 9.0 are still being used. Future versions are planned. It is important to identify the version you are using so that your patient's CT data can be processed appropriately to allow you to maximize the utilization of your version of the SimPlant® software. If you are a SimPlant® Planner user, you can find your version by looking at the SimPlant® icon on your desktop or opening into Simplant®, clicking on "Options" in the top toolbar, then "Licenses", then "Modules." The SimPlant® version is noted under the "Version" column.
What is SimPlant® view?
SimPlant® View is a free, downloadable software program from Materialise® that allows you to review a patient's CT scan images, examine the bone with contrast settings, perform measurements, and store the images on a computer. Treatment planning, placing implants, and fabricating surgical guides can only be performed if a doctor owns SimPlant® Planner software, not using SimPlant® View. All scans processed by Facial Imaging are compatible with SimPlant® View.
How do I download SimPlant® view?
How do I fabricate a scan prosthesis for SimPlant®?
What is scatter reduction?
Scatter is caused during a CT scan, by x-rays being deflected off of metal restorations or other metal implanted in the bone. Facial Imaging is one of the few companies able to edit and remove scatter from your SimPlant® processed CT scan, allowing optimal visualization of the bony structures.
What is masking?
Masking is a process that allows the doctor to visualize 3-D CT scan images with a specified structure present or absent. For instance, a scan prosthesis (barium teeth) can be identified in a different color than the surrounding teeth or bone. Using SimPlant® Planner software, the doctor can visualize the 3-D CT images with the barium teeth present or absent. This can also be done for previously placed implants. There is an additional fee for this service.