What is iCAT?

The iCAT is a remarkable new diagnostic instrument.  It is a cone beam 3D Computed Tomography (CT) scanning machine.  It allows the assessment of the head and jaws with a single scan, enabling assessment of all structures in three dimensions.

This information is invaluable for periodontal diagnosis and most importantly for dental implant treatment planning.  Until the availability of this machine, patients needing such an assessment required a conventional CT scan at a hospital or radiology centre.  Such a scan involves a reasonably heavy dose of radiation, and the detail/resolution of images provided was average at best.  The iCAT can produce better images, for around 1/40 of the radiation exposure.

ICAT

Cairns Periodontics is the FIRST specialist periodontal practice in Australia to obtain such an amazing tool, and it was only the seventh machine to be installed in Australia.  Data from these scans can then be imported into 3D imaging software to allow ‘virtual’ implant placement.  Welcome to the new Millennium!

Lasers in Periodontics

Periodontal therapy can be improved with the use of lasers.  Cairns Periodontics is the FIRST specialist periodontal practice in Australia to employ the KaVo Key 3 Erbium YAG laser.  This amazing instrument has a built-in calculus detection sensor, allowing more reliable detection of calculus deposits in deep pockets.

A laser plays a myriad of roles, ranging from scaling and root planing, soft tissue surgery, bone reshaping, tooth preparation prior to regenerative procedures, and tooth desensitization.  This technology is at the cutting-edge of clinical periodontal care, Dr. James is one of the country’s experts in the use of this technology.