Three-dimensional (3D) cone beam imaging or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a special type of x-ray equipment used when regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. This advanced 3D imaging system is used to produce 3D images of your teeth, soft tissues, nerve pathways and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan.
Images obtained with cone beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning.
No, cone beam CT is not the same as conventional CT, but CBCT can be used to produce images that are similar to those produced by conventional CT imaging.
With cone beam CT, an x-ray beam in the shape of a cone is moved around the patient to produce a large number of images, also called views. CT scans and cone beam CT both produce high-quality images.
Dental cone beam CT was developed as a means of producing similar types of images but with a much smaller and less expensive machine that could be placed in an outpatient office
Dental cone beam CT provides detailed images of the bone and is performed to evaluate diseases of the jaw, dentition, bony structures of the face, nasal cavity, and sinuses. It does not provide the full diagnostic information available with conventional CT, particularly in the evaluation of soft tissue structures such as muscles, lymph nodes, glands, and nerves. However, cone beam CT has the advantage of lower radiation exposure compared to conventional CT.
Dental cone beam CT is commonly used for treatment planning of orthodontic issues. It is also useful for more complex cases that involve:
During a cone beam CT examination, the C-arm or gantry rotates around the head in a complete 360-degree rotation while capturing multiple images from different angles that are reconstructed to create a single 3D image.
The x-ray source and detector are mounted on opposite sides of the revolving C-arm or gantry and rotate in unison. In a single rotation, the detector can generate anywhere between 150 to 200 high resolution two-dimensional (2D) images, which are then digitally combined to form a 3D image that can provide your doctor or oral surgeon with valuable information about your oral and craniofacial health.
For this procedure, you will be asked to stand biting on a jaw positioner. You will then be positioned so that the area of interest is centered in the beam, and you will be asked to remain very still while the x-ray source and detector revolve around you for a 360-degree rotation or less. This typically can take between 20 to 40 seconds for a complete volume, also called a full mouth x-ray, in which the entire mouth and dental structures are imaged, and less than 10 seconds for a regional scan that focuses on a specific area of the maxilla (upper jaw) or mandible (lower jaw).
This procedure requires little to no special preparation. Tell your doctor if there’s a possibility you are pregnant.
Remove any metal objects prior to the examination, including jewelry, piercings (if possible), eyeglasses, dentures or other removable dental work, hearing aids, and hairpins, as they may interfere with the imaging.
You will not experience any pain during a cone beam CT exam, and you will be able to return to your normal activities once the exam is complete.
Your doctor will analyze the images and discuss the results with you directly or communicate the results to your referring physician or dentist. With 3D digital imaging, the results are detailed and can be enhanced with digital imaging software for region-of-interest (ROI) magnification and equalization.
At Belmont Family Dentistry we invest in the latest technology, so we can offer our patients exceptional patient care. Our advanced 3D imaging takes a panoramic view of your mouth. This level of detail helps us improve our diagnostic accuracy which means you receive the best possible dental care.
Advanced 3D imaging also provides a detailed full picture of the mouth and skull from every angle providing more information than what a regular x-ray can provide. This is an excellent source for planning surgery.
Advanced 3D imaging provides patients with the most complete story of their oral health, and provides them the ability to make the best decisions with less hesitation.
Additionally, advanced 3D imaging methods do not expose you to as much radiation as traditional imaging methods, because traditional imaging methods take a longer amount of time (5-10 minutes) to complete and you have to be exposed multiple times to get a complete picture. Advanced dental imaging takes a fraction of the time (10 seconds) so you are exposed to less harmful radiation.
The radiation emitted from a 3D x-ray machine is extremely small. If you are worried about this topic, we are happy to discuss your concerns at your appointment.
Give us a call at(503) 234-1218 to schedule your new patient appointment at Belmont Family Dentistry and experience the best that dental technology has to offer.
