Dentists in Preston and the surrounding areas are moving further into the 21st century as the NHS Reedyford Dental Centre invests in a cutting-edge 3D imaging device.
The Cone Beam Computerised Tomography (CBCT) machine that has been installed at the Leeds Road dental practice before it is available at Blackburn or Burnley hospitals.
Dr Ausman Malik, a leading dentist based at the Nelson practice said: “All other dentists in the area are using X Rays, which only give a 2D image. For most work this is absolutely fine, but when you’re doing certain things, you need 3D images.
“CBCT means that I can get a complete image of someone’s mouth.”
The diagnostic CBCT scans are used to provide 3D view of the sinus cavities, investigate previous root canal treatments check patients suitability for dental implants, to check depth, width and density and to assess the need for sinus lifts.
Dr Malik is currently studying a part time masters course in oral surgery at the University of Central Lancashire.
He said: “I’m hoping to do more oral surgery at the practice, and this machine is necessary for that.
“There is nothing like it as far as I know in the whole of East Lancashire, and from Preston to Manchester.
“The Royal Blackburn and Burnley General Hospitals do not have this facility, so patients are being referred to Manchester Dental Hospital, but we would like to offer a referral service to all dental practices for their patients as we can provide copies of images taken.”
“The practice is fully committed to the NHS and is also training practice for newly graduated dentists.
“It is important that we future-proof the practice, and give the best treatment we can to patients in East Lancashire.”