Dental CBCT

A CBCT (Cone Beam Computer Tomography) scan is, in simple terms, a 3D x-ray of your entire mouth, including all your teeth, maxillary sinuses, upper and lower jaw bones, nerve pathways etc. It is a powerful diagnostic tool that we use in dentistry often, but it helps us especially when preparing for dental surgery. The CBCT scan has considerably lower levels of radiation exposure compared to a regular CT scan and it is captured and registered with the same apparatus that makes the panoramic x-rays, so you might already be familiar with it.

Just like the Panoramic x-ray, it will reveal important anatomical particularities that will help us in our medical decisions concerning your case, but everything will be shown in 3D. This means that aspects that might be hidden on a 2D x-ray are clearly seen on the CBCT scan.

A CBCT scan may be necessary when preparing for treatments like: dental implants, bone augmentation, orthodontic treatments, root canal treatments, dental extractions, wisdom tooth extraction etc. In most cases where surgery is needed, a CBCT scan will be done in order to make a correct and complete examination and treatment plan.

What can a CBCT scan reveal?

• 3D shape and position of teeth and their roots
• possible dental anomalies (in size, shape, number, position, structure, growth)
• 3D view of dental implants inside the bone
• 3D aspect of present bone: shape, size and some details about its quality
• 3D aspects of bone loss extension
• wisdom teeth position in 3D and possible eruption trajectory
• 3D aspects of periodontal disease extension
• subtle signs of pulpal disease inside the pulpal chamber or root canals
• 3D root canal treatment assessment
• 3D aspects of disease signs inside the bone (like cysts, tumor and infection)
• a 3D view of the maxillary sinuses and the TMJ (temporomandibular joint).

How to prepare for a CBCT scan?

If there is a possibility that you are pregnant, then you should avoid all radiation exposure! Please inform us before any x-rays or CT scans, even if you are not sure!

The procedure is fairly simple and requires little to no special preparation, but there are a few important things you need to know beforehand:

• You will be asked to remove any metal objects that may interfere with the scan: eye glasses, removable dentures and jewelry.
• Our assistant will help you put on a lead apron that protects your body against exposure. She will help you position your hands and head in the center unit.
• During the procedure, you have to sit still in order to get a clear image, so be sure not to move until our assistant tells you that the procedure is over. She will press a button to activate the apparatus from outside the room.
• One arm of the machine will rotate around your head for a few seconds and capture the images that compose the CBCT scan. The procedure is completely painless and there is usually no discomfort.
• The digital 3D image will appear on our computer screen and it will be added to your medical chart as an electronic file. The image is adjustable for better visualization.
• The levels of exposure are extremely low and no radiation remains in the body after the procedure.

Digital Cephalometric x-ray

A Cephalometric x-ray (CEPH x-ray) is a great diagnostic tool, used in patients who are considered for orthodontic treatment. The scan allows the orthodontist to study the facial bones and soft tissue landmarks of the face. This step, along with the panoramic x-ray is mandatory in order to create a correct and complete treatment plan.

The scan is captured and registered with the same apparatus that makes the Panoramic x-ray and the CBCT scan, so you might already be familiar with it. The difference is that for the CHEPH scan, another extension of the machine will be used. This is called a Cephalostat and it holds the patient’s head in the correct position during the procedure. Once the scan is complete, our computer will convert it into a digital image that can be adjusted and zoomed in, allowing the orthodontist to make annotations and measurements directly on it. 

The procedure is fairly simple and there is no need for special preparations, but there are a few important aspects that you need to know beforehand:

How to prepare for a CEPH x-ray?

If there is a possibility that you are pregnant, then you should avoid all radiation exposure! Please inform us before any x-rays or CT scans, even if you are not sure!

The procedure is fairly simple and requires little to no special preparation, but there are a few important things you need to know beforehand:

• You will be asked to remove any metal objects that may interfere with the scan: eye glasses, removable dentures and jewelry.
• Our assistant will help you put on a lead apron that protects your body against exposure. She will help you position your hands and head in the center unit.
• During the procedure, you have to sit still in order to get a clear image, so be sure not to move until our assistant tells you that the procedure is over. She will press a button to activate the apparatus from outside the room.
• One arm of the machine will rotate around your head for a few seconds and capture the images that compose the Cephalometric scan. The procedure is completely painless and there is usually no discomfort.
• The digital image will be converted to a digital format on our computer and it will be added to your medical chart as an electronic file.
• The levels of exposure are extremely low and no radiation remains in the body after the procedure.
• no radiation remains in the body after the procedure.