What is Dental CBCT, and why should you get one?

Traditionally we have been using X-ray technology whenever we needed to scan bones. Although this technology works for bones, it is insufficient whenever we require 3-D imaging or information about softer tissues, including nerve pathways. The Dental CBCT makes a much better alternative to that. 

What is Dental CBCT? 

The dental cone beam CT scan or computer tomography is a particular usage of X-ray technology. Although it is more efficient than the traditional scanning ways, it is not that commonly used because the radiation exposure can be higher. It is a better choice when conventional X-ray scans are not efficient enough. 

Although it is a computed tomography scan, it is different from conventional CT scans because a cone beam shape is used for radiation exposure here. However, a critical quality of this scan type is that it creates 3D images of the dental structure, including nerves, soft tissues, and bones. As doctors get all this in one scan, treatment planning improves. 

This equipment is moved around the area that needs scanning, producing many high-quality images. These images have more critical details, and they can be used to evaluate issues in the following: 

• Jaw
• Sinuses
• Bony stricture of face
• Dentition
• Nasal cavity
• Sinuses 

How does it work? 

This procedure works by rotating the cone beam scanning equipment around the head, capturing images from different angles. The equipment takes around 200 2D images in one rotation that can be combined into a 3D image. After capturing images, those are processed into one single image. 

How is the procedure conducted? 

The procedure can be divided into 3 main steps: preparation, scanning, and after-processing. So, here is everything that happens during this scan. 

1. Preparation before the scan: One of the prerequisites of this scan is to remove any metal objects you are wearing. These can interfere with radiation resulting in unclear imaging. So, you must temporarily remove any jewelry, dental appliances, hearing aids, eyeglasses, etc. In preparation, you must inform the dentist about health conditions, including pregnancy.
2. Sitting, adjustments, and scanning: Next, you will sit in the middle of the scanning equipment. You may need to place your face on some point or bite onto some equipment, but these vary between equipment. Once the dentist is confident about your positioning, he will rotate the machine around your face and head. The complete scan will take around 40 seconds, while scanning a particular area will take no more than 10 seconds.
3. Computation and results: After taking images, the dentist may remove you from the equipment, but the results will take some time. The computing process of creating a 3D image from the scan can take up to 7 minutes. Once the result is out, the dentist may reschedule an appointment or plan your treatment immediately. The best part about this scan is that you don't face any downtime and can instantly return to your routine activities.

Is it any different than traditional X-Rays? 

While both use similar technologies, the results are much more detailed with CBCT scans. It is because CBCT provides 3D images instead of 3D like traditional X-rays. If you get into the details, there will be multiple other benefits. 

What are the best benefits of Dental CBCT? 

It has several benefits over traditional scanning techniques. The top 10 benefits of CBCT for dental treatment planning are discussed below: 

• Higher quality image 

In the CBCT scanning equipment, highly powerful sensors use X-ray technology. Thus, the results are highly accurate because the focused beam of X-rays reduces radiation scattering and gives better output image quality. 

• Thorough evaluation 

When this scan is performed, the dentist takes around 200 images of your whole face. Those images are then computed into one singular 3D image. So, with multiple angles and a variety of views, a dentist can perform a thorough evaluation of the whole head. 

• Easier adjustment for efficient scanning 

Positioning and adjustment are not very easy with traditional X-ray equipment. However, that's not the case with CBCT scanning, as here patient can either sit or stand. Similarly, there is an earpiece and a mouthpiece that helps the patient keep their head stable during the scan. 

• Precise treatment planning 

The precise treatment is of vital importance when you are getting dental implants. CBCT scanning gives information about the mouth, including the jaw bone, muscles, soft tissues, and, most importantly, nerves. So your dentist can review the scan and plan the perfect treatment for you. This planning will help reduce issues after the treatment is done. 

• Accurate diagnosis 

As a patient, CBCT scans give peace of mind as your dentist has inspected every aspect of the issue and every angle of your mouth. Accurate diagnosis also means getting the best possible treatment for the problem. 

"Every tooth in a man's head is more valuable than a diamond."

– Miguel de Cervantes.

• Fewer complications in the process 

Proper planning lets your dentist identify potential complexities during and after the process. So they can take the right steps to avoid the risk. For instance, if a nerve may come in the way of a dental implant, that may cause infections and other dental issues. However, the dentist can avoid this issue with proper diagnosis and planning. 

• Successful results 

Getting successful outcomes the very first time when getting a dental procedure is important. Dental treatments are uncomfortable; some take a lengthy healing time and a considerable investment. However, with CBCT scanning and planning accordingly, the results can be successful the first time. Thus, it brings a better and more comfortable experience and time and money savings. 

• Quick scanning 

The process of CBCT scanning is not very long. It takes up to 40 seconds max, so you will not need a long appointment for this scan. 

• Pain-free and safe 

There is no pain before, during, or after this scan. Additionally, it is safe in multiple ways. For instance, it involves low radiation doses as compared to traditional X-rays. The exposure time for radiation is also less, and no radiation stays in the patient's body after the scan is complete. Lastly, it has no immediate side effects so you can return to routine activities right after the scan. 

• It is covered under most insurance plans. 

This scan is covered under most health insurance plans, which means you can save money and get good health at the same time. 

What are the best uses of Dental CBCT? 

There are multiple cases and applications where a dentist prefers a CBCT scan. Some of them are: 

• Before planning surgery on impacted teeth
• For diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorder
• For planning accurate placement and installation of implants
• To detect, measure, and treat jaw tumors.
• To evaluate the situation of the jaw, sinuses, nasal cavity, and nerve canals.
• Evaluating tooth structure, orientation, and bone structure
• For pathology
• Reconstructive surgery
• Identification of gum issues
• Cephalometric analysis 

Why should you get a Dental CBCT? 

As CBCT scans show everything, including hard bones, soft tissues, etc., with great detail, if your dentist recommends getting it, you must go for it. It is because some treatments are not possible with proper planning. After all, it helps choose the most efficient treatment approach for the procedure. 

With the involvement of the latest technology, the process has become even more efficient and easy for the patient. Thus, the chances of a misaligned implant reduce when the implant is designed and placed perfectly according to plan.