Regular facial or dental x-rays may not always provide the clarity needed, so our general dentistry practice uses a 3D dental cone beam scan, also known as dental cone beam computed tomography (CT), to get a better image of your soft tissues, bone, and nerve pathways.
A cone beam scan is a special type of x-ray that aids our Champaign dentist in treatment planning. Although a cone beam scan differs from a conventional CT, they both provide high-quality images. However, the cone beam scan uses the high resolution images to re-create a virtual 3D model, allowing Dr. Martin a detailed view of all different aspects and angles of a patients mouth, teeth, bones, soft tissues, and nerve pathways. As a result, our Champaign dentist is able to provide personalized treatment that is tailored to your specific dental needs.
The cone beam x-ray is shaped like a cone and is designed to move around the patient in order to produce a wide range of images, also known as views. These images not only help in treatment planning, they also allow our Champaign dentist to evaluate the development of diseases and keep track of any new formations.
The use of cone beam scanning varies from patient to patient. Depending on your specific needs, Dr. Martin will determine whether a cone beam scan is the right option for you. However, cone beam CTs are most commonly used for either orthodontic issues, treatment planning, or complex cases that may involve:
Diagnosis of TMJ Dental implant placement Impacted teeth Evaluations: nerve canals, nasal cavities, jaw, and sinuses Reconstructive procedures Locating pain Jaw tumors: treating, detecting, and measuring Determining tooth orientation Determining bone structure
The use of cone beam scanning benefits both the patient and the dentist. Because the scan results in 3D images, it helps the dentist map out a precise procedural plan that will impact the overall success of the treatment. Patients can rest assured knowing that our Champaign dentist will deliver exceptional results they can be proud of. Additional benefits include:
Painless and non invasive Quick, easy, and accurate Fast and convenient Able to identify abnormalities, infections, cysts, tumors, etc. Able to capture both soft tissue and bone at the same time Better image quality that traditional x-rays One scan can result in a complete evaluation Increases patient safety and reduces the risk of inevitable complications
Dr. W. Eric Martin DDS, PC graduated from Northwestern University Dental School in 1998 and then spent the following year in a general practice residency in the Navy at Great Lakes Naval Hospital. The residency allowed him to develop further expertise in all areas of general dentistry. In February 2011, Dr. Martin was awarded a Fellowship in the ICOI for extensive post-graduate education in the field of dental implants. In 2018, after several more years of work, he was awarded Diplomate status in the organization, which is the highest award given. Dr. Martin has provided dental care to Champaign-Urbana area residents since 1999. He is an active member of CEREC Doctors Mentor Group and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. In addition, he has served as the past President for the Illinois District Dental Society and on the Illinois State Dental Societys Peer Review Committee, as both a member and Chairman. He is a proud member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, where he won a pre-doctoral award while still attending dental school.
Dr. Martin focuses on continuing education that helps to incorporate the latest and greatest technology, such as CEREC single-visit restorations and computer-guided implant surgery into his practice. By incorporating technology, Dr. Martin strives to make dentistry easier, less invasive, and more convenient for his patients.
Dr. Rachel Ingram grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. She completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2011 and her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2003. While completing her dental degree, Dr. Ingram became very interested in public health, especially oral health education and disease prevention.
Her clinical experience includes providing comprehensive dental care for families at a community health clinic in Chicago, contributing to the Illinois State Dental Societys Illinois Mission of Mercy and Give Kids a Smile, providing screenings and treatment to underserved children and adults through Smile Healthy, and working in private practice. Her professional affiliations include membership in the American Dental Association, Illinois State Dental Society, and Academy of General Dentistry. Since 2013, she has continued her work with Smile Healthy in Champaign.
Having been raised by health professionals, Dr. Ingram was taught to value education and the compassion needed to help others. Dr. Ingram is committed to helping her patients achieve and maintain the beautiful smiles they are looking for. She is passionate about oral health and strives to educate her patients while working with them to realize their dental goals.