A Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is a unique X-ray procedure that can be used to produce three dimensional (3-D) images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in a single scan. It may be used when a standard dental X-ray is insufficient for providing your dentist with the necessary information for making a precise treatment plan. A Dental Cone Beam CT can be used to produce images similar to those produced by conventional CT imaging.
How does the procedure work?
Your dentist or oral surgeon will ask you to sit in the exam chair or lie down on the exam table and will position you so that the area of interest is centered. You will be asked to stay very still during the examination, which typically takes between 20 and 40 seconds. If you’re just having a regional scan focused on a specific area, then it may take as little as 10 seconds.
An x-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient in a complete 360-degree movement while a detector is mounted on the opposite side of the C-arm or gantry and rotates in unison. This results in around 150 to 200 high-quality images or “views” that are reconstructed to create a 3D image.
Preparing for a Dental Cone Beam CT examination
A Dental Cone Beam CT examination requires no special preparation, although you should inform your dentist if you are pregnant. It’s recommended that you wear comfortable clothing and remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, hairpins, glasses and hearing aids that may interfere with the imaging machine. Bring any removable dental work with you as it may need to be examined by your dentist.
You will not experience any pain or discomfort during the examination and can continue normal activities immediately after.
Once the images are received by your dentist, they will analyze them and communicate the results to you.
Common uses of Dental Cone Beam CT
Aside from treatment planning for orthodontic issues, Dental Cone Beam CT may be used for more complex cases that include:
- reconstructive surgery
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) diagnosis
- Surgical planning for impacted teeth
- Accurate placement of dental implants
- Jaw, sinus, nerve canal and nasal cavity evaluation
- Locating the origin of pain or pathology
- Detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors
- Determining bone structure and tooth orientation
- Cephalometric analysis
The benefits of Dental Cone Beam CT:
Benefits
- A single scan results in a wide variety of views and angles, which can be used to provide a more complete evaluation compared to a conventional dental X-ray for precise treatment planning.
- The use of a focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation and results in improved image quality.
- It’s accurate, painless, and non-invasive, with no immediate side effects.
- A Dental Cone Beam CT can take images of a patient’s bone and soft tissue at the same time.
- Radiation does not remain in a patient’s body after an examination.
Our Happy Patients
“I went in today, after having the same dentist since I was a child. She retired, and Dr. Stein took her place. I was fearful, as I think trust is important in a dental relationship. I met Dr. Stein for the first time, and he put me at ease. Very professional, listened to my concerns, and did a painless filling and other services. I would highly recommend Dr. Stein if you are looking for a new dentist. Glad to see some of the same staff remaining as well.”
Lisa J.
“I went in today for an X-ray and exam and I got so much more! Considering my dental insurance hasn’t kicked in yet I knew it would be expensive that being said I didn’t know what all I’d be getting done, when being told that I needed a root canal I was more than nervous about it (concerned about the cost) Dr. Stein Totally worked with my budget and set me up with a payment plan. Throughout my time there he kept saying “let’s get you out of pain first” He got me in a chair right away and took care of the root canal on the spot. I thought that was Quite impressive considering that some places will have you schedule another appointment with them For a later date, so with all that being said I’m very happy with his work even more so, happy that I’ve found a dentist. Feels good to be a part of the family.”
Shatara F.
“Everyone in this office is very friendly and caring; having an appointment here is always like visiting with friends! Met Dr. Stein for the first time today, after having had the same trusted dentist for many years. Dr. Stein seems very pleasant and gentle. Will be happy to continue my dental care here.”
Janer M.
We use the most effective systems for cosmetic dentistry:
We’re Here To Help You Get The Perfect Smile!
Have Questions? Call Us Now (509) 747-5586 Or
Comments are closed.