Digital volume therapy - DVT for short - is a special tomography procedure. It works in the same way as computed tomography (CT), but is associated with less radiation exposure. DVT is often used in dentistry, ENT medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Here you will find further information as well as selected DVT specialists and centers.
Like conventional computed tomography(CT), digital volume tomography (DVT) is a slice imaging technique. The sectional images are converted into a detailed 3D image using a computer.
The procedure was originally developed for dentistry and has been in use there since 1997. CBCT was originally known as dental volume tomography or digital panoramic X-ray. Just ten years later, 80 percent of all dental practices already had a CBCT machine.
CBCT has since been further developed. It is also used in oral and maxillofacial surgery and in ear, nose and throat medicine.
Prior to the examination, the patient must provide information about any pre-existing conditions and metal implants in their body.
The actual examination is then carried out by specially trained X-ray personnel (MTRA). The patient is given a radiation protection apron and usually also special thyroid protection. Depending on the device and the medical issue, the CBCT is performed in a sitting, lying or standing position.
In dentistry, the patient sits or stands. The patient's head is immobilized using a chin rest, a headband and a bite block to prevent movement during the scan. The staff then leave the room and start the scan from a control panel outside the X-ray room.
In CBCT, a three-dimensional X-ray beam is combined with a flat detector. This produces images with a high level of detail and low distortion within seconds. The X-ray tube and the image detector rotate synchronously around the patient's head. The X-rays are reflected by the bones and surrounding tissue, measured and converted into images.
DVT devices are often used in dental practices © coldwaterman | AdobeStock
Around 400 individual images are taken, from which the computer reconstructs a virtual 3D object.
A digital volume tomography is basically very similar to a computer tomography. However, DVT works with a cone-shaped beam, whereas the beam in a normal CT scan is fan-shaped.
There are also differences in terms of radiation exposure: a DVT is associated with ten times less radiation exposure than a CT. Nevertheless, the exposure is higher than with a normal X-ray examination. For this reason, the use of digital volume tomography must always be carefully considered.
In individual cases, images with a low resolution are sufficient for diagnosis so that the radiation dose can be reduced.
There are many situations in which a DVT is indicated. Dentists and oral surgeons, for example, like to use this technique when they
Digital volume tomography enables
In ENT medicine, CBCT is suitable for diagnostics and for preparing surgical procedures in the area of the ears and paranasal sinuses.
CBCT can also be used to reliably differentiate between sinusitis originating from the tooth and sinusitis originating from the nasal mucosa.
The following specialists use digital volume tomography particularly frequently:
Digital volume tomography is also increasingly being used
application.
CBCT is particularly suitable for imaging bony structures. These are captured more precisely with digital volume tomography than with conventional computer tomography. However, the imaging of soft tissue is less contrasty than with a normal CT scan.
Digital volume therapy has a decisive advantage for the patient: In contrast to CT, he or she does not have to go into a narrow tube for this. Many people therefore find a CT examination very stressful.
The entire CBCT examination usually only takes a few minutes. As with X-rays, the results are available within a very short time.
In addition, CBCT ensures maximum safety during operations in difficult areas. These include, for example, the jaw area and the ears. The attending physician can plan surgical procedures down to the smallest detail and usually perform them in a minimally invasive manner.
Detailed planning also increases the chances of the best possible therapeutic success.
Unfortunately, DVT also has disadvantages. The radiation exposure is higher compared to normal X-rays. For this reason, digital volume tomography should only be used after careful consideration.
In addition, CBCT devices are sensitive to metal parts, such as implants. Areas with metal parts are displayed in black. Metal parts also reduce the overall quality of the examination results. Furthermore, metal parts can simulate pathological structures where there is actually healthy tissue.
Digital volume tomography has been in proven use for over 20 years. Nevertheless, it is still a relatively new examination procedure. The costs for DVT are therefore not yet covered by statutory health insurance.
Particularly in complicated cases and when the diagnosis is not clear, it may well be worthwhile for the patient to bear the costs themselves. Before operations, the surgeon can assess the surgical site more accurately. This reduces the risk of complications during and after the procedure.
The price of digital volume therapy is made up of two components:
The costs can therefore vary greatly depending on how large the area to be imaged is. On average, you can expect to pay between 100 and 300 euros.
