Cone Beam CT Imaging

What is Dental Cone Beam CT?

Dental cone beam computed tomography (CT) is a special type of x-ray machine used in situations where regular dental or facial x-rays are not sufficient. This type of CT scanner uses a special type of technology to generate three dimensional (3-D) images of dental structures, soft tissues, nerve paths and bone in the craniofacial region in a single scan. Images obtained with cone beam CT allow for more precise treatment planning.

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 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.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Cone beam CT scans provide more information than conventional dental x-ray, allowing for more precise treatment planning. Therefore, Dental cone beam CT is commonly used for treatment planning of:

• • • surgical planning for impacted teeth.
    • accurate placement of dental implants.
    • evaluation of the jaw, sinuses, nerve canals and nasal cavity.
    • detecting, measuring and treating jaw tumors.
    • determining bone structure and tooth orientation.
    • locating the origin of pain or pathology.
    • cephalometric analysis.
    • reconstructive surgery.

Sam K.