What is CBCT?

Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a special type of X-ray that creates a 3-D image of a patient’s oral structures, including the teeth, jaws, and surrounding bone. A CBCT scan is more detailed than a regular X-ray, and it can display a wider range of information.

A CBCT scan uses less radiation than other types of X-rays, and it works very fast. The scan will take just a few minutes. The images from a CBCT scan are more detailed and easier to interpret. A dentist can use a CBCT scan to identify dental problems, plan treatment for those problems, and to map out a patient’s oral structures.

Orthodontic CBCT

When planning orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may ask you to have an orthodontic CBCT scan. Unlike a regular dental CT scan, an orthodontic CT scan delivers images at multiple angles. These images can show your orthodontist exactly how your bone structure, teeth, and jaws fit together.

Maxillofacial CBCT

Maxillofacial CBCT is a type of medical imaging device that creates three-dimensional images of a patient’s maxillofacial region. Maxillofacial means pertaining to the jaws and face, so this type of CBCT scan is typically taken of the jaw and mouth region.

Dental CBCT

The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner is an advanced piece of dental technology that allows dentists to diagnose and treat patients more efficiently. CBCT uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam that provides high-resolution 3D images for that patient, allowing for better diagnostics and treatment planning.

Advantages of CBCT

Dr. Lee believes that digital imaging is a very useful tool in dentistry. The high-resolution images provided by CBCT scans allow Dr. Lee to evaluate a patient’s jaw and facial structures in three dimensions. This allows her to determine whether a patient will need orthodontic treatment, or whether a dental implant, denture, or other oral prosthetic will be successful.

Disadvantages of CBCT

While CBCT has many advantages over traditional dental x-rays, there are some disadvantages to using this type of imaging.

The main disadvantage of CBCT is that it creates incredibly large files. The files can be hundreds of megabytes in size, so they’re difficult to send electronically. Sending these files electronically means taking more time and consuming more office resources.

CBCT and radiation explained

The Cone Beam Computed Tomography scanner is a type of digital x-ray machine. The CBCT scanner uses less radiation than a medical CT scan, making it safe for patients.

CBCT scans provide 360-degree views of the jaw and teeth, allowing dentists to see every possible angle. This eliminates any guesswork for dentists, allowing them to treat patients more effectively.

CBCT and

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) uses a cylindrical X-ray beam to scan the entire body. Because it uses X-ray radiation, patients must be scanned in an enclosed machine. The scanner is shaped like a large donut, with the patient in the center. The patient is scanned while standing up, which minimizes the physical stress of lying in a narrow tube for a prolonged period of time.

CBCT scans have incredible applications in a variety of dental specialties, including orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and implant dentistry.