Cone Beam CT Scans
Three Dimensional Cone Beam CT Scans (CBCT)
When necessary the specialist might recommend additional x-ray diagnostic information for your case. If this is necessary then your specialist will prescribe a CT scan for your situation and request a specialized x-ray.
A traditional x-ray is only 2 dimensional but a computerized assisted image will give 3 dimensional information and even more date to diagnose and plan your case. You will get the scan at specialized facility and then your specialist will receive and review the data. This will better plan your surgical case and if there any needed changes we update you and educate you of any changes in your case plan.
The CT scan is a simple step that only takes 10-15 seconds and will give us a wealth of pre-surgical information about your case. We will make this request if necessary.
More On CBCT Scans
How does the CT scan help my Specialist or Dentist?
It allows him/her to:
• Visualize internal anatomy that cannot be diagnosed externally
• Plan treatment and surgery
• Prepare necessary aids
• Assess risk
• Analyze the position and orientation of critical structures, like nerves, teeth roots, previous implants, the sinus and nose
Is it painful?
No, the CBCT scan process is completely painless.
What are the Cone Beam scanners used for?
• Oral surgery
• Implant planning
• Orthodontic planning & implant anchorage
• Cephalometric analysis
• TMJ analysis
• Airway study (sleep apnea)
• Jaw tumors
• Impacted teeth
• Periodontal diseases
• Endodontic anomalies
Why a CBCT scanner rather than a regular Medical CT scanner?
• X-Ray Radiation exposure to the patient is up 10 times
less than a regular CT scanner.
• Much faster scan time. Scan on a CBCT takes between 10-40 sec, while on a regular CT scanner it takes a few minutes.
• Cheaper, average price of a CBCT scan could be up to 50% less than a regular MDCT scan.
What are the benefits versus risks?
Benefits
• Unlike regular x-rays CT scans can discriminate between many types of tissue including bone, teeth, nerves and soft tissue.
• CT scans are noninvasive, and can eliminate the need for exploratory surgery in some cases.
• CT can identify the effects of conditions such as infection and tumors.
• A cost effective tool for imaging a wide range of clinical problems.
Risks
As with all imaging modalities that use ionizing radiation, the use of CBCT does involve a consideration of risk to the patient. However, it has the benefit of providing useful information needed to assist in making a diagnosis and/or in facilitating treatment. When your doctor refers you for an x-ray examination, he has made the determination that the benefit outweighs the risk. Of course, it is ultimately up to you to decide whether to undergo the examination. Bear in mind that the risk of most x-ray examinations are much less than other risks we commonly accept in daily life.
How should I prepare for the scan?
No special preparation is needed for a CBCT scan of the head. You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your CBCT exam. Anything that might interfere with imaging such as earrings, necklaces, piercing, hairpins or eyeglasses should be removed. The x-ray technician may ask you to also remove dentures or other appliances, but it is advisable to bring these along to the appointment as the technician may on occasion want to use them.
(above information referenced from ConeBeam.com)