Cone beam computed tomography is also referred to as a CBCT Scan. 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. CBCT has become increasingly important in the treatment planning and diagnosis of endodontics, orthodontics but most importantly for dental implants.
Cone Beam CT systems offer many benefits to patients aside from being useful in planning and diagnosing complex cases. Some benefits of this type of x-ray include:
- Reduced exposure to scatter radiation
- A single scan produces sufficient data to detail a wide variety of views and angles
- Provide more information than conventional dental x-rays, allowing for more precise and accurate treatment planning
- Cone Bean CT scanning is painless, non-invasive and highly accurate
- Ability to capture both bone and soft tissues in a single scan
Cone Beam CT scanning, while a relatively new technology to dentistry, has already transformed the way dental professionals gather information, diagnose and plan treatments. The transformation from interpreting two-dimensional information to diagnosing from 3D imaging is a quantum leap … and one that has forever altered the way we practice dentistry.
