CBCT: What is it?
A new technology that is becoming more commonplace in dental offices is the CBCT machine. In this article we will answer the following questions regarding the CBCT machine:
- What is CBCT?
- What is CBCT used for?
- What can I expect when getting a CBCT scan?
Our dentists here at Brookside Dental in Nampa, ID are available to answer any questions you may have about the CBCT and whether this may be something helpful for your dental needs.
What is CBCT?
CBCT stands for cone-beam computed tomography. Similar to a hospital-grade CT scan, this machine takes a series of hundreds of images captured at different angles to construct a 3D image of your jaw.
This scan can be used in conjunction with other dental x-rays taken of your teeth. The CBCT scan differs from traditional x-rays primarily in its ability to display a 3D image instead of the traditional 2D images captured previously. This aspect is very beneficial for clinicians when planning implants, root canals, and diagnosing/evaluating areas of concern for patients.
What is CBCT used for?
At Brookside Dental, the CBCT is used for:
- Implant cases
- Root canal diagnosing/planning
- Evaluating areas of concern
The most common use of the CBCT in our office is for planning implant cases. If you are interested in dental implants, we will take a CBCT scan to evaluate your bone. No other image will give us a 3D construction of your jaw bone, which is vital to planning/evaluating each individual implant case. This 3D image allows our doctor to digitally plan your case.
The CBCT is also often used for planning/evaluating teeth for root canal needs. Often this scan will give us views/details not available through traditional x-rays that are helpful in planning/diagnosing certain cases.
What can I expect when getting a CBCT scan?
Getting a CBCT is fast and comfortable. You have probably had a PANOREX or PANORAMIC image taken before at your dental office, where you stand/sit while the scanner rotates around your head. This is essentially the same experience.
What you can expect:
- You will be asked to remove things that would interfere with the imaging: jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids
- You will be asked to remain very still during the scan
- The scanner will rotate around your head
- The scan will take 20-30 seconds
Conclusion
CBCT is becoming more and more commonplace in dental offices. It provides valuable information to clinicians previously not accessible. The process for obtaining a CBCT is quick and painless. If you have any questions or would like to come in for a visit, please give us a call or schedule a visit online, we are here to help!
Jared Hamblin, DDS