What is a Cone Beam CT Machine?

A cone beam CT machine, also known as a CT scanner, combines multiple x-rays into one. This machine uses cone-shaped x-ray beams that rotate around the patient’s head, capturing multiple images from different angles. This produces more detailed images than a traditional panoramic x-ray machine.

Cone beam CT machines are used to scan patients for a range of potential issues, such as:

- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)

- Dental implant surgery

- Jaw misalignment

- Cysts

- Cancer screening

- Sinus infections

- Dentures

- Fractures

- Jawbone injuries

- Impacted wisdom teeth

- Root canal disease

- Impacted teeth

- Jawbone fractures

What is its main purpose?

A CBCT machine provides 3D images of your oral and maxillofacial structures. This allows your oral and maxillofacial surgeon to see a complete image of your facial anatomy, including your sinuses, jaw, nasal passages, and teeth.

How is it different from other types of dental imaging?

Digital x-rays / intraoral cameras are the types of imaging that are generally found in every dentist’s office. They use relatively low levels of radiation to get an image of your teeth.

CBCT stands for cone-beam computed tomography. This is very similar to an x-ray, but it shoots out a very narrow beam rather than one that spans the entire width of your mouth. The machine is able to produce a 3D image.

What are the advantages of using a Cone Beam CT Machine?

The Cone Beam CT Machine sends a cone-shaped x-ray beam through a patient’s teeth, gums, and jaw. The beam creates a 3-D image of the patient’s dental structures.

A Cone Beam CT Machine produces less radiation than traditional CT scans, making it a good option for patients.

What are the disadvantages of using a Cone Beam CT Machine?

While cone beam CT machines provide a good image, the amount of radiation that is emitted during the scan can be detrimental. The level of radiation is much higher than is emitted during a typical x-ray. This can cause long-term damage including cancer.

Patients should always consult with their dentist to discuss any concerns they may have about radiation.

Are CBCT scans covered by insurance?

Sometimes. Your insurance company may cover the cost of your scan, or it may only cover part of your bill. This means that you’ll likely need to pay a portion of your treatment out of pocket.

Insurance companies may cover a portion of your scan if you have one of the following:

- A dental emergency

- A disorder, such as sleep apnea, that impacts your oral health

- A history of dental problems

- A history of periodontal disease or tooth loss

- Gum disease

- Jaw misalignment

- Crooked teeth

- Impacted teeth

- Jaw pain

- TMJ disorder

Cone beam machines are an imaging machine that allows dentists to closely examine your teeth and jaws. The machine doesn’t provide an actual image. Instead, the machine uses an x-ray beam that moves in a circle around your head. This captures a 3D image of all the teeth surrounding your jaw.

The x-ray beam is cone-shaped, which is why these machines are also called cone beam machines. The images produced with these machines are usually more detailed compared to traditional x-ray machines. The images are also easier to examine because the machine rotates around your head, rather than capturing images in only one direction.