Cone Beam/CT Scan: Why Do I Need One?

For generations, going to the dentist meant getting x-rays taken so your dentist could see a complete image of your teeth, including the roots. Sin embargo, x-rays have limitations. They provide a 2-dimensional image of the teeth and bones but cannot give an accurate snapshot of the surrounding soft tissues. As a result, dentists today are increasingly relying on Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans to help with the diagnosis, treatment planning, and evaluation of certain conditions.

What is a Cone Beam/CT Scan?

A Cone Beam scan is similar to a regular CT scan in that it captures 3-dimensional images but uses a different type of beam. While a CT scan creates slices of images that are combined to create a complete rendering, a cone beam scanner uses a cone-shaped x-ray beam to capture 3-dimensional images as the scanner rotates around the head. The result is a 3D image capturing a high resolution image of your teeth, bone structure, and soft tissue with less radiation.

There are many advantages to a Cone Beam/CT scan, including the following:

  • Higher image quality and pinpoint accuracy
  • 3D imaging is not possible with traditional x-rays
  • Detailed information about the health of hard and soft tissue
  • Cómodo, with no need for biting down on inflexible film
  • Cone Beam/CT scans use less radiation than traditional x-rays

Why Do You Need Cone Beam/CT Scans?

CBCT scans provide information your oral surgeon cannot receive any other way. These images are incredibly detailed and accurate, showing the bones, soft tissues, y los nervios. Cuando está despierto y puede seguir instrucciones allows Dr. Valiente to evaluate your oral health and spot potential problems earlier in order to treat them sooner.

CBCT scans are crucial as a guide for any oral surgery, giving your doctor a precise image used to plan your treatment. This is especially helpful when placing dental implants, as the Cone Beam/CT scan images allow for precision placement of implants in the jawbone while avoiding nerve tissue or sinuses.

Enhanced CBCT images allow your oral surgeon to perform procedures more accurately, avoiding nerve bundles and providing exceptional care. Using a Cone Beam/CT scan, your surgeon can more accurately plot implant location to mimic your natural bite. They can also select the ideal implant size for safety, stability, and comfort. A CBCT scan also helps your oral surgeon avoid the sinus cavity and sensory nerves.

What Can a Cone Beam/CT Scan Do?

  • Detail the shape, Talla, and dimensions of your jawbone and teeth
  • Provide precise measurements of the oral cavity and its parts
  • Provides tooth orientation
  • Reveal the location of nerve bundles
  • Detect lesions that could be caused by oral disease
  • Clearly illustrate gum and soft tissue problems
  • Help locate the cause of dental pain
  • Provides clear images of the sinuses and nasal cavities

The incredible accuracy of CBCT scan images makes them a valuable tool in protecting your oral health, catching disease early, and guiding Dr. Valiente in precision colocación de implantes dentales. These images are the starting point for improved surgical care, precision, and long-term dental implant success.

If you have questions or concerns about Cone Beam/CT scans, we will answer your questions and explain the procedure more thoroughly. Contact our office at 813-968-5400 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.