Dr. Jarred Scott Abel, DDS

This is not a commentary about Dr. Abel’s surgical skills, but rather a review of his office procedures related to the use of an emerging imaging technology called Cone Beam Computerized Tomography, or CBCT for short. CBCT is growing in popularity among dentists because it generates three-dimensional (3D) images that are better than 2D images (such as panoramic and intraoral dental X-rays) for diagnosis and treatment planning. However, CBCT has the drawback of greater radiation exposure than 2D X-ray images, which has led the American Dental Association (ADA) to recommend that “…CBCT imaging should be used only after a review of the patient’s health and imaging history and the completion of a thorough clinical examination.” Yet, these recommended best practices were not followed when my daughter had a consultation with Dr Abel. As he explained to me later, for the sake of efficiency my daughter was taken to CBCT imaging before the appointment even started; ie, before Dr Abel met us,… talked to us or examined her. This deprived us of an opportunity to discuss whether the test was appropriate given my daughter’s radiation exposure history, and whether it was truly necessary in light of our expectations for the consultation and prior images we had brought along. Had we been given such opportunity, we would have turned down the CBCT. We also wish we had learned in advance that a CBCT would cost $400 out-of-pocket and that it is not covered by insurance! Dr. Abel is a very personable dental surgeon and we went to him on the basis of a referral from our orthodontist. But I would urge any patient going to see Dr. Abel to ask for a “meet and greet” and a clinical examination before any imaging is ordered, especially if it is the costly and higher radiation CBCT. That is what the ADA recommends, and what patients deserve.

Highly satisfied after wisdom tooth removal, was not in pain and almost healed 7 days later. I will recommend him to my family and friends.

Excellent!