When a digital X-ray is not sufficient, your dentist at Affinity Dental Sherwood Park may use dental cone beam computed tomography—also known as a CBCT scan—to produce 3D images of your teeth, bone, soft tissues and nerve pathways in one scan.
Explaining the CBCT scan
The CBCT scan is a special type of radiograph—a 3D X-ray. The technology is similar to that of a medical CAT scan. Although a CBCT scan produces a less accurate image of the soft tissues, it has the advantage of giving a much lower radiation dose to the patient.
Your dentist may prescribe a CBCT scan for one of the following reasons:
- To have a 3D image of your mouth prior to surgery or implant placement for your safety.
- To see your jaw joints, sinuses or some peculiar anatomy.
- To assist in the diagnosis of an infection.
A typical CBCT scan takes about 10 seconds. Prior to the scan, you’ll be required to remove facial jewelry, hearing aids and neck chains.
In some cases, we may need to send your CBCT scan to an oral and maxillofacial radiologist for review.
Contact Affinity Dental Sherwood Park today for more information about the technology in our office, including CBCT scans.