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3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an imaging technology that allows dentists to evaluate the detailed picture of your bones, nerves, and soft tissues. A single CBCT scan can show potential dental issues such as tooth decay, bone loss, abnormal growths, facial fractures, periodontal infections, irregularities of the temporomandibular joint, and problems with the tooth roots or dental pulp. This allows your implant dentist to determine if dental implants can be safely and effectively placed. During a CBCT scan, the imaging machine rotates entirely around the patient’s head. In less than a minute, about 150-200 images are captured from a variety of angles and compiled into a single 3D image.
CBCT scans are quick and in most cases, a full mouth scan only takes about 10-20 seconds.
In case you are wondering, CBCT scans do use radiation, however they use significantly less radiation than traditional CT scanners and are considered to be safe At any given time, we are all exposed to what is known as background radiation. A medical CT scanner produces enough radiation to be equivalent to 63-154 days of background radiation, while a CBCT scan only produces about 6-30 days of background radiation.
Why do I need a CBCT scan?
Not only are CBCT scans used to determine candidacy for having dental implants placed, but they are also used as part of the treatment planning phase. A large part of successful treatment outcomes involve careful planning before the actual procedure, and CBCT scans allow your implant dentist to do just that. Since a CBCT scan shows all your bones, nerves, and soft tissues in extreme detail, this allows your dentist to establish their approach before they even begin the procedure. Not only that, but it also allows them to identify possible complications ahead of time so that they can take the necessary steps to avoid or minimize these complications. Overall, this means that your implant procedure will go smoother and you are more likely to have a successful outcome .
It is also useful for more complex cases that involve:
- Surgical planning for impacted teeth.
- Diagnosing Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
- Accurate placement of dental implants.
- Evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity.
- Detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors.
- Determining bone structure and tooth orientation.
- Locating the origin of pain or pathology.
- Cephalometric analysis.
- Reconstructive surgery.