Patients

The Procedure

The arm of the machine rotates around the head in a complete 360-degree rotation while capturing multiple images from different angles that are reconstructed to create a single 3-D image.  The x-ray source and detector are mounted on opposite sides and rotate in unison. In a single rotation, the detector can generate anywhere between 150 to 200 high resolution two-dimensional (2-D) images, which are then digitally combined to form a 3-D image that can provide your dentist or oral surgeon with valuable information about your oral maxillofacial health.

Benefits

•Focused x-ray beam reduces scatter radiation, resulting in better image quality.

•A single scan produces a wide variety of views and angles that can be manipulated to provide a more complete evaluation.

•Cone beam CT scans provide more information than dental x-rays, allowing for more precise treatment planning.

•Cone beam CT scanning is painless, noninvasive and accurate.

•A major advantage of Cone beam CT is its ability to image bone and soft tissue at the same time.

•No radiation remains in a patient’s body after a Cone beam CT examination.

•X-rays used in Cone beam CT scans should have no immediate side effects.

•Accurate placement of dental implants.•Surgical planning for impacted teeth.

•Diagnosing temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

•Orthodontic issues.

•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

How is the procedure performed?

You  will  be  asked  to  sit  in  the  exam  chair.    The CBCT Specialist  will  position  you  so  that  the  area  of interest  is  centered  in  the  beam.  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.

How do I prepare?

You     should     remove     anything     that     may interfere   with   the imaging,  including   metal objects,  such  as  jewelry,  eyeglasses,  hairpins and  hearing  aids.  Although  removable  dental work  may  need  to  be  removed,  it  is  advisable to  bring  these  to  your  examination,  as  your dentist  or  oral  surgeon  may  need  to  examine these as well.

What will I feel during and after?

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.