Our Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) 3D X-ray scan is an advanced diagnostic tool we use to plan all our surgical cases, and to understand the extent of a patient’s condition. It allows us to see the jaws and oral structures in three dimensional “slices,” offering much more information than traditional two dimensional x-rays. Some of the procedures we use CBCT technology for are:
- Implant planning: our implant surgeons use a CBCT scan to plan 100% of our implant cases, to ensure the bone is adequately dense in the target area, and to understand where the vital structures such as nerves, arteries, and sinuses lie.
- Endodontics: our endodontist, Dr. Tran, is a recognized leader in interpreting CBCT scans for the purpose of root canal therapy, and lectures widely on this topic. Using a 3D scan to visualize the extent of someone’s infection helps Dr. Tran make critical decisions regarding the treatment and prognosis of their root canal treatment.
- Airway analysis: CBCT imaging allows us to view the size and shape of the airway. This helps us identify patients who might have potential breathing issues, and who might benefit from treatments addressing sleep-disordered breathing.
- Pathology: Every CBCT scan we take is also read by a board-certified maxillofacial radiologist, to double check that no pathology is left undetected.
CBCT is a powerful, low radiation way to visualize the mouth in more detail than ever before. While we do not take a 3D scan automatically on every patient, when indicated, it provides information that can make treatment safer, more precise, and more predictable.
