Our Technology
I-CAT Scanner
The I-CAT scanner by Imaging Sciences International is a state-of-the-art cone beam scanner. This machine produces a digital 3 dimensional image of the jaws. These images allow Dr. Scharf to see the patient’s anatomy in 3 dimensions without the distortion, magnification, restricted clarity, high radiation dose, or lack of accuracy in measurements found in other imaging systems. Dr. Scharf was one of the first periodontist on Long Island to offer this technology to his patients.
This means greater surgical predictability and reduced surgery time. Because the machine is in Dr. Scharf’s office, it means less time wasted for you. Other office that do not have this machine will give you a prescription to have a dentascan done at a radiologist’s office. You then have to call that office, make an appointment, drive to that office, fill out more paperwork, wait until you are called, and then have your scan. There is another delay as the dentist then has to wait to get the scan from the radiologist’s office. By having the scan done right in Dr. Scharf’s office at the time of your appointment, you save time and hassle.
We are always concerned about your exposure to radiation. Our goal is to get the most diagnostic information at the lowest possible radiation dose. A common measurement of radiation dosage in the microsievert (Usv). This chart shows the radiation exposures of a, I-CAT scan compared to other dosage sources.
| i-CAT 20 second scan: Exposure is in "Pulsed" mode, actual exposure time is about 3.5 seconds for a 20 second scan |
uSv |
| i-CAT 10 second scan: Daily background: Panoramic (Average): Digital Panoramic Highest Film Pan Dental Full mouth series: Medical CT |
34 uSv 8 uSv 10-15 uSv 4.7 – 14.9 uSv 26 uSv 150 uSv 1200-3300 uSv |
As you know, we are all exposed to background radiation coming from the heavens every day. In fact we are all exposed to an average on 8Usv daily. The typical 20 second scan used for dental implants exposes you to 68uSv or about 8 days of background radiation. Compare that to a medical scanner which exposes you to 35-100 times the radiation dose.