What is a CBCT Scan?

The 3D cone beam computed tomography gives detailed 3D imaging of a patient’s nerve pathways, bone structures, and soft tissues.

When a CBCT scan is taken, the device rotates around the head of the patient, producing about 200 to 800 images from various angles in less than one minute, stitched together as a single 3D image.

CBCT scans use less radiation than traditional CT scans, making it safer for the patient. All humans are exposed to background radiation. A CBCT scan produces 6 to 30 days of this background radiation while the conventional CT scanner make about 63 to 154 days of background radiation.

The anatomical accuracy needed for a patient’s diagnosis, planning of treatment, surgical procedure, and follow-ups for several methods is provided by a CBCT scan. Traditional two-way dimensional imaging systems, like Panoramic and intraoral images, are no longer sufficient to provide patients with accurate information in planning various dental treatments such as implants, bone graft, TMJ, and airway.

 
 

Benefits of CBCT in Dental Setting

  • The CBCT scan help to enhance dental treatment planning as it is used in cases of impacted tooth to predict how long the orthodontic treatment will take, which is very informative to the patient and dentist. A CBCT scan provides a more confident diagnosis as information gathered helps the dentist accurately diagnose the dental issue.

  • A CBCT scan has improved endodontic treatment as it helps assess failures, search for missed canals, and manage severe endodontic cases.

  • The x-ray beam that is focused lowers scattered radiation, which helps to provide better image quality.

  • The CBCT scan has caused an increase in dental treatment acceptance levels as patients can now see a three-dimensional view of themselves.

  • The CBCT scan can help relieve patients from years of pain as it can now reveal any prolonged dental issue that other scanning methods couldn’t review.

CBCT scanning is an essential part of dentistry and helps give your dentist adequate info on how long a procedure may take and how to get the best it fixed. Having a CBCT scan is not in any way complex, and you should get it at your dentist’s request.

 
 

What is a CBCT Scan used For?

A CBCT scan is critical when considering a dental treatment that requires a surgical procedure. The images are helpful in several dental cases such as:

  • Diagnosis and detection of tumors or infection in a patient’s dental health.

  • Planning and placement of dental implants.

  • Dental surgery.

  • Gum disease.

  • Orthodontic treatment.

This technology provides effective planning for various dental treatments that are intricate or severe, thereby allowing an accurate simulations treatment.