What is a CBCT Scanner?
A CBCT scanner (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) is a scanning machine that is used to produce precise, high resolution 3D images of a your mouth including the teeth, jaws, soft tissue and bones.
Using the lowest possible radiation dose amongst products available internationally, the CBCT dental scanner is used as an advanced diagnostic tool to take a 3D CT scan of the patient’s mouth.
Pictured below is the CBCT Orthophos SL 3D from Dentsply Sirona.
What is CBCT scan used for?
A CBCT dental scan has become an invaluable tool when considering complex treatments and surgical procedures. The resulting images can be useful for a wide range of cases, including those that involve:
- Dental implant planning and placement
- Diagnosis and detection of infections and tumours
- Oral surgery
- Complex endodontic cases
- Orthodontic treatment
- Periodontal disease
This technology has transformed the way we diagnose, treatment plan and ultimately treat our patients.
What are the advantages of a CBCT scan?
- It is minimally invasive (beneficial for anxious patients)
- Provides the patient with an improved understanding of the treatment plan as images can be used to explain how a procedure is going to work.
- The efficacy of treatment is increased and potential risks and mistakes are greatly reduced.
- The images produced are incredibly accurate and detailed, which is beneficial during the detection and diagnosis of oral health problems.
- Scanned images can be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and can aid in the planning of proposed treatments.
- Dentists can use the detailed images to talk openly to patients about oral health conditions and more easily explain how treatment will work.
- CBCT scanners also improve accuracy, as they provide incredibly detailed images and allow dentists to assess the risk of a procedure or course of treatment.