What is a Dental CBCT Scan and Why do You Need One

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When undergoing dental treatments it is best to ensure that your dentist knows everything possible about your teeth and jaw to avoid any possible complications. Dental treatments, especially those that alter your natural teeth or the shape of your jaw, may be necessary to ensure your bite remains strong and healthy whilst protecting your natural teeth, but taking precautions can help to ease treatment anxiety and give your dentist a better idea of your mouth and how to best provide treatment.

 

For some treatments, such as dental implants, your dentist may ask you to have a dental CBCT scan, but what is it?

 

What is a CBCT Scan?

A CBCT scan stands for a Cone Beam Computed Tomography Scan. This particular type of dental scan is a quick and painless X-ray that creates 3D images of your teeth and jaw. 

 

What makes a CBCT Scan different from other Dental X-rays?

A Cone Beam CT Scan provides more information than a regular X-ray, helping to check the exact shape or size of your jaw and natural teeth and allowing your dentist to provide exemplary care that has been tailored to your needs.

 

It’s highly likely you will have received other dental X-rays before, most likely a Full Mouth X-ray or a Panoramic X-ray. These X-rays take scans of your teeth, identifying cavities, gum disease and dental abscesses whilst taking surface structure images of your teeth. Compared to these a CBCT Scan provides a much more detailed final image that effectively captures information about your teeth and orthodontic health, including details on the stability and strength of your jaw and soft tissues.

We’ve recently brought all our CBCT imaging in-house here at The Dentists Old Market, find out more about the benefit of embracing digital dentistry in our recent article with Dentistry Magazine.

How does a CBCT Scan work?

The Cone Beam CT machine rotates around the patient whilst taking 150-200 pictures and data from all angles, providing diagnostic information that has changed the approach to patient dental treatment for the better. The images captured work alongside any previous information your dentist may have about your dental condition to create a detailed image of your teeth and jaw.

 

As well as capturing images of your teeth and jaw, a CBCT Scan will also capture and construct a 3D image that includes your mouth, neck, ear, nose and throat, for an in-depth image that makes treatment even easier.

CBCT Scan results on an iPad screen being held by a dentist in medical gloves

The Benefits of a Dental CBCT

When choosing a dental treatment that will enhance your smile and improve your bite, your dentist or orthodontist needs to know exactly what is going on. A CBCT Scan allows your dentist to see more than just the surface of your teeth, understanding any underlying issues that may affect your chosen treatments and creating the ideal treatment plan tailored to your specific dental condition and needs.

 

But what else makes a CBCT Scan a great choice for dentists and patients alike?

 

  • Image quality surpasses other dental scans and X-rays, providing in-depth images.
  • Provides more detailed information about your teeth, jaw and oral health.
  • More comfortable than previous dental scans.
  • A low dose of radiation.
  • Rapid scan times.
  • Measurements are free of distortion or magnification.
  • The ability to reorient the scan to focus on the area of interest.

 

CBCT Scans are becoming more common practice, with the benefits helping dentists to provide exemplary dental care to all patients, no matter their oral condition.

 

Why Do You Need a Dental CBCT Scan?

As a CBCT Scan shows bones, nerves and soft tissue as well as any dental conditions in high detail, dentists are able to comprehensively diagnose and treat any dental or oral issues or conditions, planning the ideal treatment approach specifically for you.

 

One of the key areas of dental treatment that a CBCT Scan will benefit is dental implants, as well as providing necessary information for those undergoing tooth straightening treatment if the case is more complex.

Dental Implant on display in an artificial jaw

CBCT Scans for Dental Implant Treatments

When planning for dental implants a CBCT Scan can inform your dentist or periodontist of any gum issues, lesions or pain points that they should be aware of, whilst also helping them to find accurate measurements of the shape and dimensions of your jaw and teeth. These will all benefit your treatment plan, that will provide you with the best treatment outcomes possible and potentially leave you in as less pain or discomfort.

 

A CBCT Scan can help to ensure your implants are accurately designed to fit in the spaces left between your natural teeth, without the risk of misaligned implants that can feel uncomfortable or painful. Choosing to have a CBCT Scan ahead of your implant surgery allows your dentist to select the correct size implant, including length and width, optimising the stability and natural appearance of your implants.

 

CBCT Scans Indicate Dental Issues or Conditions

Due to the detailed nature of a dental CBCT Scan, the scan can indicate any underlying health conditions before you decide on any additional dental or cosmetic treatments.

 

For many dental treatments, such as facial rejuvenation treatment, a single scan from a CBCT machine can indicate any potential or current dental issues, such as tooth decay, abnormal growths, infections and irregularities, as well as showing potential bone loss, facial fractures or issues with the roots of your teeth. Each of these conditions can add complications to any chosen dental treatment, so it’s best to find out to plan accordingly.

 

No matter your chosen dental treatment, finding your ideal dental plan is made easier with the addition of a CBCT Scan to your dental consultation or pre-treatment plan, helping to identify issues to treat or work around for a flawless end result.

 

Discover Dental Treatments Assisted by Dental CBCT Scans with The Dentists Old Market

Dental treatments can be nerve-wracking, but by choosing a dental CBCT to assist your treatment your dentists can provide expert care without issue. Find your ideal smile enhancement treatments at The Dentists Old Market and discover a hassle-free in-depth treatment that leaves you smiling with ease.

Get in touch with our friendly and experienced dental team to book a consultation, or check out our FAQs for more information about our full range of services today.