What is Dental Cone Beam CT?
Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT), also referred to as a CBCT Scan, is a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient.
The CBCT scanner rotates around the patient’s head, obtaining up to nearly 600 distinct images to provide sufficient detailed data of a specific area in a patient’s mouth, jaw, neck, ears, nose and throat. This type of CT scanner uses a special type of technology to generate three dimensional (3-D) images of dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan.
Images obtained with cone beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning.
CBCT has become increasingly important in the treatment planning and diagnosis of endodontics, orthodontics but most importantly for dental implants.
Dental cone beam CT is useful in complex cases that involve:
- determining bone structure and tooth orientation.
- detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors.
- accurate placement of dental implants.
- surgical planning for impacted teeth.
- diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
- evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity.
- locating the origin of pain or pathology.
- cephalometric analysis.
- reconstructive surgery.
- Cone Bean CT scanning is painless, non-invasive and highly accurate.
The machine moves around your head in a circular motion in a similar way to the panoramic. Dental radiography unit which is commonly used in dental offices and hospitals, which you may have already experienced.