When Is a 3D Cone Beam CT Recommended?

Dental Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CT) is a form of X-ray technology that assesses the mouth when regular dental or facial X-rays are not enough. With a Cone Beam CT, an X-ray is used around the patient to produce detailed images of the bone around the teeth. 3D Cone Beam scans are steadily becoming one of the most popular choices for this reason.

What is a 3D Cone Beam CT scan?

3D Cone Beam imaging is transforming the way dentists diagnose your oral health and help provide you with a procedure that improves your smile. With a single scan using a computer and X-rays, dentists can take anywhere between 150 to 700 panoramic, high-quality 3D images. This helps to complete a dental evaluation and review a small section of the patient’s facial bones.

Common uses and recommendations

3D Cone Beam CT is commonly used to treat orthodontic issues as well as more complex cases like surgical planning. Some common applications for a dental Cone Beam CT scan include when one is preparing for tooth extractions or dental implants.

Cosmetic dentistry

Any cosmetic dentistry or reconstructive procedures such as inlays, onlays, crowns and veneers benefit from such a detailed scan. A Cone Beam scan helps determine tooth orientation as well and can be beneficial for those planning for a root canal or bone graft.

It also makes it easier for dentists to measure and localize the available jawbone spacing when doing an implant placement. A Cone Beam scan helps reduce the risk of misaligned implants in the process by using the virtual images modeled by the patient's soft tissues, bones and teeth. This helps ensure the longevity of the implants to meet the patient's needs.

TMJ

Due to the rapid return rate of analysis from a typical Cone Beam CT scan, they are also great for those who believe they may be suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ. Detecting and treating any jaw tumor or sinus issue can be done efficiently with a dental Cone Beam scan.

A full-mouth scan often takes less than 40 seconds with this procedure. A single can creates hundreds of images. Each scan can help produce angles and views that can be manipulated to get a full understanding.

Benefits

Conventional X-rays produce simple pictures that do not give dentists enough information to diagnose an issue. CT scans yield an improved image quality that reduces scatter radiation. A Cone Beam scan can examine both soft tissue and bone simultaneously. In addition to this, CT scans are accurate and painless.

A 3D Cone Beam CT helps provide much more information than a conventional X-ray. It is steadily becoming one of the most used scans in the dentistry industry. A 3D Cone Beam scan is invaluable for dentists who may specialize in reconstructive or dental implant surgeries. 

A Cone Beam scan is one of the most advanced dental technologies available. They improve the lives of dentists and patients.

Request an appointment here: https://www.diamondheaddentalcare.com or call Diamond Head Dental Care at (808) 450-2101 for an appointment in our Honolulu office.