A CBCT scan (also called cone beam computerized tomography) is an x-ray technique that is similar to a medical CT scan. It produces images of your body that depict internal structures in cross-section rather than the overlapping images typically produced by conventional dental x-ray exams.
A conventional x-ray of your mouth limits your dentist to a two-dimensional (2D) view. Diagnosis and treatment planning can require a more complete understanding of the complex three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of your tooth. A CBCT scan can provide this crucial 3D information to accurately diagnose and treat conditions which may not be fully understood otherwise.
Risks: CBCT scans, like other dental x-rays, expose you to a very small amount of radiation. The dose is approximately the same as the following background radiation equivalents: 1 day for upper teeth, 3 days for lower front teeth and 5 days for lower back teeth. The alternative to a CBCT scan is a conventional dental x-ray; however, this has the limitations previously noted.
While parts of your anatomy beyond your mouth and jaw may be seen on the scan, your dentist is not a physician or specialist to make assessments concerning the anatomy beyond your mouth or jaw. Ifthe scan raises a question as to something unusual outside the mouth or jaw, your dentist may refer you to a physician or another specialist for evaluation. In such an event, our office can place the image on a DVD. CBCT images do not show most soft tissues or fluids, so some problem areas may have to be imaged with other methods.
Women: CBCT scans are not recommended for routine use on pregnant women due to the potential danger to the fetus.